doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com rebrowning damascus

The damascus pattern on my barrel is very hard to see and I would like to improve its looks.
Is rebrowning damascus too hard for the non-gunsmith to do? Where can I get information on the best process?
Or...where's the best place to send it?
Please keep in mind that it is a working gun, worth about $1400.00.

Thank you, John

John most smiths in the states that do a decent job charge from $300 up. I've found cheaper but they never have good contrast. I now send mine to England. With shipping and browning it's running $150. They have to come back through an exporter according to the smith that's doing mine. I already use an exporter and just have him add them to my shipments. You might be able to do it yourself but with the time, equipment, and chemicals for 1 or 2 sets it's cheaper to have someone else do it.

Here are the formulas and methods if you want to do it yourself. Also, several references.
http://www.damascus-barrels.com/Finish_Restore.html

Pete

Pete,
I believe that the information you gave is for Rust Bluing, in Rust Browning you omit the boiling. The boiling is what gives it the blue/black color. For the Browning of Damascus it would still take as many rusting and etchings to produce the color desired.
The last process mentioned from Parker's Factory Process doesn't mention boiling so might be browning but you would need to be a chemist to figure it out.

Wanted to mention also that I like your site and your commitment.

John E.
Are you sure that the barrels are browned and not blued? Some of the old finishes would turn brownish from age.

Laurel Mountain Forge is a good rusting agent and works very well if you follow the intructions.

There is a list of damascus restoration specialists here http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dfg2hmx7_192fcpp4khn

Not a chemist, but I do note it included a pass in the "Steam Room". Exposure to steam will convert the rust to black same as boiling. One thing one has to be careful about in interprting old writing on the subjest is the process itself was quite often referred to as "Browning" regardless as to whether it was done to produce a black or brown finish.

No, I am not sure. But here are some pictures. Please tell me what you think.

That looks to be a real nice "working gun". The barrels look correct to me in both color and contrast. I'd leave them alone. If you choose to proceed have them done by and experianced browner. Browning can be difficult, dirty, and frustrating work. It may also be impossible to get more contrast than you already have. Good luck.

The browning looks proper to me. What make is the gun ?