We degrease them thoroughly and spray with a couple light coats of clear acrylic lacquer (from spray cans). I have a couple of 3/8 x 36 in. dowels that I place down the bores, and have the excess length sticking equally out the muzzles and bores (I haven't done any barrels longer than 32 in.). I put a couple of 2x4 blocks at each end and lay the exposed ends of the dowels on them to suspend the barrels a couple inches above a dust-free surface. Spray a coat on one side and use the dowels to flip them over to spray the other side, let dry 10 min. and apply a second coat. I think I got this from Oscar Gaddy if I remember correctly. In any case, the pattern will remain unchanged as long as the lacquer is intact. When it starts to wear off, you can strip them with lacquer thinner and re-apply.
Jim
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