That is certainly a great technique that gave great results.
What is going on here is the difference in oxidation between the iron and steel strands. And the etching and micro pitting that happens from that oxidation. The surface of the barrels as a whole is not flat and after the uneven oxidation they are even less flat. The use of the very fine abrasive paper removed the built up oxidation on the higher areas and leaves it in the lower surfaces.
I would think that boiling or steaming after this is done may also help to convert resining rust and "lock in" the "restored" finish.
I would also think that this process and its results would vary greatly from barrel set to barrel set depending on how badly they are oxidized.
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B. Dudley
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