doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Preserving Damascus Finish

I've been looking around for a hammergun recently. Some of the guns I've looked at have damascus barrels. Of these guns some have been re-browned, some original. Since I've never owned a damascus gun, this got me thinking about the finish.

Is there anything specific that one should do or not do to preserve the finish? Is the finish subject to wear like case coloring from being handled or when cleaning the gun?

(Craig, if you're reading this, I can imagine the smile on your face! )

Clean the barrels with acetone and give 'em two coats of spray Tru-Oil. It's a very effective alternative to wax.

One thing Dr. Gaddy used to recommend was Behlen's Spray lacquer, in gloss. Pt # 101-0800. After cleaning ALL oil etc.off just spray on. Several light coats are best. I've found it is easy to use, easy to reapply or touch up. I generally apply wax on top of that, but mostly because I wax the whole gun anyway. I got one spray can from Woodworker's Supply via mail over a year ago, and have done about 6 guns and have plenty left. I would recommend against any bake on lacquer finishes as touch up or removal would be a real bugger. I this stuff isn't to your liking just wipe off with acetone.
Frank

I'm smiling... I shot a 23 with Purdey #2 last night.
The two suggestions above are good. Spray shellac will work as well.
I personally like the finish of something wiped on by hand, vs. something sprayed.

Pictures please?

Yes, Oscar recommended Behlen's, and in his later work (I have a 2002 example) he used Tru Oil (which he suggested in that era) -- hand applied from close examination.

So there is something to be concerned about that there needs, or at least should, be some kind of protection on the finish.

Craig, I shot a 22 with the Westley Richards. I dropped the long bird on the third station twice (DOH!), and I dropped one on the teal. We need to talk a bit about this.

dubbletruble, Craig's Purdeys are magnificent!

I just had two sets of damascus barrels redone....the craftsman who did a superb job recommended using a wax product named Briwax. Use the clear version. He also recommended using it on case harded surfaces. The wax goes on easily and rubs off easily with a soft rag. Briwax can be purchased at most furniture repair type shops.

I use Briwax on mine and it looks great so far. It is easy to remove with acetone and it goes on by hand. Just be careful on a matted rib. You need to apply very lightly and use a soft brush to polish out so it doesn't cake up.

Bill G.

The reason to seal the Damascus is to preclude oxidation. The high contrast black and white that Oscar was known for will revert back to the more stable brown and white in time (usually a long time depending on conditions) but when you add body oils and salts etc with available oxygen in air then it happens faster. Thus a hard barrier finish preserves the best.