Hello Dean, What we do with these barrels basically is to deep clean and bring back exsisting colors. The degresing step we use is super heated water with phosphate based solvents. This stuff pulls all grease out of the metal. We then stabilize with mild phosphoric acid " the same stuff in coke products". Then neutralize with soda. The next step is a ferric sulfate wash, followed by a hemotox boil, ferric chloride bath, and wash. the last step is hand rubbed oil apps. .Burnish to desired patina. Done. In this process we do not disturb the pores or grain of the steel. This allows us to retain the original overall look, and still enhance the pattern. In many of our restorations of other types of firearms, it is important to not change the original draw lines that occur in the original ,machining. IE: Winchester recievers, nitros, foxes, etc.
Every piece of gunmetal has specific signatures that reflect the original processes. Patterns exist for good reason. To duplicate original appearances
You need to understand grain structures and machining techniques at the time of manufacture. Thats what we do.
Brad
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