Darkening a polished receiverPro

[Steve Hodges]

Probably been discussed before but is their any way to darken up a polished receiver on a Parker? Just to make it look a bit better, thanks, Steve

[Phil Yearout]

I used plain old apple cider vinegar on my Trojan; did a nice job. I was advised to keep it away from screws and pins as it can seize them up. You can go over it as many times as needed to get something you like.

[Dean Romig]

Right, Phil’s recommendation will yield a nice French gray appearance.





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[Harold Pickens]

Gee Steve, for what gun would that be?
Congrats on that find.

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Right, Phil’s recommendation will yield a nice French gray appearance.

It is as close to French Gray as you can get, but a word of caution; If you're dipping the whole receiver in vinegar, Rinse it in boiling water as soon as you remove it from the vinegar bath. The gray appearance is actually etched, and the vinegar will continue to etch the metal until is thoroughly washed off. You can dip it as many times as you want to achieve the color, but only dip it for a minute or two at a time. It will remove any trace of case colors.

[B. Dudley]

You could use cold blue and knock it back to gray it. That would not etch the metal.

[Phil Yearout]

I did not dip it at all. Used cotton swabs to apply it, taking care to stay away from the pins and screws. I wiped it with warm water and dried it carefully when finished. I don't think there was any continued reaction. It was quite shiny when I got it and I didn't want it dark; just wanted to take the shine off a bit. It turned out pretty much like I wanted; YMMV...