Rusting Solutions for Damascus Etching

[David Penland]

Has anyone used Mark Lees Express Blue when rusting for Damascus barrel prior to etching? I have used it to rust blue and think it works very well. I was just wondering if you got a good black color and then etched.

[wayne goerres]

I have tried it. I did not have any luck. For some reason it did a nice job of rusting the barrels but a lot of it would come off during the carding and boiling. The pattern showed but I couldn't get it to darken up sufficiently. On the other hand if you are going for that aged worn look it is great.

[Bill Graham]

Never tried it, but have read about it. I'm using Laurel Mtn. Forge and have enough to know what to expect from it. I have been considering trying a new product from rustblue.com that is specifically engineered for damascus. I've used some of their other products, which were good, but the cost is a bit high.

[Harry Collins]

C-26 recommended by Dr Gaddy is what I am using.

[Breck Gorman]

I am using Gaddy's variation of C26 Birmingham brown solution. Slow acting but consistent contrast. Mark Lee express blue is too tenacious, and shows patchy contrast. It is the best I've found for trigger bows and safety buttons though. Laurel mountain forge is a nice alternative for barrels if you don't want to risk the nasty chemicals, especially mercuric chloride, in the C26 recipe.