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Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 4:24 pm
by dirtbag
Hi all, I have some oldies that need some TLC.
Some of my muskets & breechloaders have really nice white metal, and I Just wondered if there was a safe method of getting some of my other guns to that state please ?
I appreciate that most will never be showroom condition due to age etc
Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 5:52 pm
by TomH
They used to use brick dust as an abrasive polish on Brown Bess muskets I believe.
Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 8:40 pm
by Les
Wet or Dry abrasive paper?
Starting at, say, 180 through 400 - 600 - 800 - 1200. Or have I misunderstood the question?
Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 8:52 pm
by saddler
Toothpaste, or the powder version....or bicarb. or a small Demel type cloth buffing wheel, loaded with jewellers rouge
Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 10:31 pm
by dirtbag
Some good tips , many thanks and I will try !
Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 6:29 am
by Christel
Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 8:45 am
by Sim G
Don't use anything "power" wise unless you're really good....
Wet and dry paper. Bluing and rust removing chemicals are available to take the finish off first if so desired.
Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished
Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 11:43 am
by legs748
Sim G wrote:Don't use anything "power" wise unless you're really good....
Wet and dry paper. Bluing and rust removing chemicals are available to take the finish off first if so desired.
+1
Don't use anything spinny on anything flat or it will put swirls in the surface however careful you think you are being, patience is the watchword for polishing metal.
