Muting Case Colors

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

I recently purchased a reconditioned Parker that had been recase colored. I don't know if these colors are bone charcoal or cyanide but the colors, while somewhat attractive, overpower the engraving underneath. The colors are quite "muddy" in appearance, and I would like to thin them out somehow so that the engraving is a bit more apparent. Has anyone here successfully attempted this before, and if so, were you pleased with the result and how did you go about doing this.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions

[Harry Collins]

Austin,

What grade is your Parker? My thought is to just shoot the snot out of this gun. That should take care of the perceived problem. Do you have any pictures? Here are two examples of cyanide case colors.

[Brian Dudley]

Some case colors are more durable than others when it comes to wearing them down or aging them back.

Some things to try is a stainless wire wheel such as one you would use for carding off barrels when bluing. Or handing it heavily with tougher leather gloves. Other chemical methods like Vinegar and bluing remover will also effect/remove case colors. I have found that vinegar is slower in removing case colors than actual bluing remover.

[Jay Gardner]

Leather pad, some elbow grease, a six-pack of beer and a couple of baseball games?

[John Campbell]

Leather pad, some elbow grease, a six-pack of beer and a couple of baseball games?

While this and/or a wire wheel seem like fun, they are NOT the solution. Go to Brownells, order up some SemiChrome polish and use it with discretion over the new color case. You can adjust the intensity if you are careful. And remember to clease out the compound when you're done.

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

Harry, The gun is a D grade and I would just like to weaken the colors enough to make the dogs and a little of the scroll apparent. Brian, I'm reluctant to use chemicals/vinegar unless I could be sure that the color would not be removed completely, and a wire wheel is kinda scary. So I think I may try the elbow grease method. Would a very fine grade of steel wool be to abrasive? Kensal, how does the SemiChrome polish work? Would it remove the colors chemically or is it sort of like a rubbing compound?

[John Campbell]

Mr. Hawthorne:
Please accept the wisdom of experience. Use SemiChrome. It's a light paste. Put some on a cloth and rub lightly. Nothing sudden will happen. You have complete control. The longer and harder you rub, the more the colour recedes. Stop when you like the effect. ANY other method will lead to tears. I guarantee.

For an illustration of the results, please see my feature in DGJ, Spring 2012.

[Brian Dudley]

Well, you asked for different opinions based on experience and there you have it, some different methods all based on exactly that. Take your pick, try them out and use what works best for you.

Whatever you do, I personally recommend removing the trigger plate and trying your hand on some of the surfaces on the underside of it that are hidden by the wood.

But then again, some might disagree with this as well, who knows anymore.

[Dean Romig]

The LAST thing I would use is something abrasive like steel wool or a wire wheel.
I like the idea of the leather pad and a lot of rubbing. It is an accelerated 'wear' process that your gloved hands would otherwise accomplished over years (and years).

[Harry Collins]

I was hunting ducks on salt water with a very nice VH that was in near 90% condition if not better. When I got home there were a few small speck of rust on the frame. The wise thing to do would be to lightly work the area with 0000 bronze wool and oil. I had the bright idea to use Flitz. It removed the specs of rust just fine along with the case colors. I have been sick over that for 30 plus years.

[Jay Gardner]

Semi-Chrome has been suggested by multiple people but I am leery. I used it on my Repro and ended up with a receiver that looked like chrome. A leather pad and elbow grease seems like a reasonable method most like normal wear.

[chris dawe]

Theres a lot of good advice here ,some from years of hands on experience ,some personal opinion and were each entitled to our own ....I won't add my two cent's worth on the matter the base has pretty much been covered,slow and steady is the key word (and that would be my advice /opinion ;)) but if you still would like more info why not contact Brad Bachelder ? I have never found him anything else other than helpful and obliging ,a true credit ...and to be sure if anyone has experience with this it would be him .

[Craig Larter]

I purchased a new CSMC Fox about 16 years ago. I have carried the gun in the uplands about 10-15 days per year. The case colors are 20-30% gone.
I have a friend that had a early A Fox re-cased by Doug Turnbull 15 years ago and he has shot gun in the field moderately. I defy anyone to tell me that gun was re-colored---it's scary how original it appears. So I say use it and the brilliant colors will become muted before you know it. Craig

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

Thank you all for your responses and help. I think I am Leaning towards the Semi-chrome, and will use it very sparingly. The suggestion of using leather to rub out the muddy colors also sounds good. Perhaps I will use a combination of both methods. I will post the results in a few weeks/months depending upon how quickly I achieve the results I'm looking for.

[Steve Havener]

Is this going to be a "using" gun or a safe queen? If it is the former just take in afield, have fun and let nature take it's course. Once you have the right look apply a couple coats of clear lacquer and the colors won't wear any farther.

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

I'll be using this gun, but not enough to wear down the colors. They are very dark and thick looking, but sitting in the basement rubbing a gun with leather is still better than whats on my Honey-do list.

[Dean Romig]

Another one of those times when a LOT more thumbs up's would be appropriate!