Patina restoration

[Dean Freeman]

Any thoughts on how to restore patina to small parts and other areas on an old Parker. In the process of a restoration, I've had to add a screw here and file some metal there. Are there any recipes available for taking the "new" off and adding the look that best resembles a gun which has no case color left and has attained that dark to light grey patina so common on older guns? I'd appreciate any thoughts, ideas, or tried and true methods which I can test till I've found a good match.

[Steve Havener]

apply vinegar to the area you wish to "patina". Once you have the desired results kill the reaction with baking soda mixed with water. Steel with a high chromium contact will take a stronger concentrate of vinegar and a longer exposure to get results.

[Brian Dudley]

Flare up a paper match onto screw heads of small areas. Then set aside. The chemicals left on it will develop micro pitting.