How to age metal

[KenH]

I'm starting a new thread tol ask a question about ageing metal?

The Uberti parts I got for the 1876 have a new black looking finish. I'd like to remove the black finish and "age" the parts, make the new parts look more like the old patina on the existing rifle. I'm thinking just sand off finish using a fine sand paper - perhaps to an 800 grit finish? 400 grit? Then wipe down with vinegar and let sit a while. OR - perhaps FeCl solution? I use FeCl for etching Damascus for the pattern so have some on hand.

Comments and guidance please,

Ken H>

[ndnchf]

No need to re-invent the wheel. Lots of info on aging and antiquing here:
https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=5505.0

[Montana Slim]

One of my tricks to age bare polished steel is.... Ketchup. Squirt some on, let it dry, clean it off tommorow, repeat as desired. Don't like it? Polish with 800 grit & try another method.

[Cliff Fendley]

If you want the bluing off vinegar will remove it in short order. Ketchup, Mustard, and various other things have been used to add a slight etch and aging look.

[Abilene]

Birchwood Casey Rust and Blue Remover or Naval Jelly will take all the blue off, down to just gray.  No in-between.  With vinegar it takes longer and you can control how much blue comes off.  YMMV.

[KenH]

Thanks for all the info on removing the bluing.  I used vinegar to remove the black (bluing?) finish that the parts came from Uberti with, right down to the clean metal.  In only a few days the metal has taken a grayish cast, but it's smooth rather than splotchy.  With all the suggestions and guidance from ya'll I think I can get the finish I want pretty good.  Right now I'm not worrying about the final finish so much.  I'm working on toggle links now - got a couple of them made  Hopefully over the next few days I'll have both pair made and working.   This rifle is coming together better than I ever expected.

It looks like the finger lever is the only main part missing now.  CTI and Cimarron both have the part on backorder from Italy and not sure when they will get it.  I'd sure pay a premium for a lever these days - either reproduction or original, as long as the original isn't made of pure gold {g}