not to steal the post from eeb, but barrel browner, isn't the difference between the two meaning the rust blue being boiled for 5 minutes then carded and the browned just using hot water to card. I have never browned a barrel as the barrels I am doing (L.C. Smiths) were rust blued.
On some that I have done, the Damascus pattern is hidden until it is dipped in the etchant for 5 seconds and carded again and this brings out the pattern.
On those recently blued Stub Twist barrels they were rusted 5 times and etched 2 times. Humidity was between 83%-93% and twice left overnight.
The etchant is 15% etchant and 85% distilled water.
Also I remember now that for the Logwood dye, mixing it and taking a sample in a clear glass container, if you can not see through it then it is right.
