Parker Hammer Light Restoration

[Keith Doty]

I like your "lite" restoration on this gun. A clean-up without destroying the history. Well done.

[Randy Roberts]

Very nice Dean. Some of these old guns are well past this approach but when you can make it work like you did the end result is really nice. Best of luck with it.

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

This is how such guns should be done. Way to go.

Brian;
If you remember you did a GHE straight grip 12 for me a few years back achieving the same results. I love the look of the "refreshing" technique you used.

[noseeum]

I have the same model Parker in similar condition. Have you tried any methods to try and bring out the case hardened color? You can see pics of my gun in the intro section. I just bought the gun and joined the PGCA and I am looking for all info about cleaning up this old gun. Thanks

[Dean Romig]

When the color is worn off there is no way to bring it back. The hardening of the steel is several thousandths of an inch deep into the steel but the color is just a very thin molecular layer and once it has worn off it’s gone.

Crud (patina) on top of the color can be removed to a great degree but doing so, depending on the gun, must be a very considered decision.





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[Stan Hillis]

I have read that sonic cleaners will often clean the surface to such a degree that more of the case colors are visible. True, once they're worn away they're gone but, according to what I read, ofttimes there is more color under the surface grime than we think, and the sonic cleaner gets it off.

To be clear, I have not tried this myself, but it was reported to be completely safe for ccc actions. Before and after photos that accompanied what I read showed the obvious results.

Nice job on the light refurbishing.

SRH

[Dean Romig]

This may be an unfounded rumor but I’ve heard/read that springs should be removed before sonic cleaning. I think I said that sometime last year and it was quickly “dispelled” but if it has happened to only one person I’m definitely not taking the chance.
Had something to do with the crystalization of the leaf spring steel.





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[Randy Roberts]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

This may be an unfounded rumor but I’ve heard/read that springs should be removed before sonic cleaning. I think I said that sometime last year and it was quickly “dispelled” but if it has happened to only one person I’m definitely not taking the chance.
Had something to do with the crystalization of the leaf spring steel.

Not unfounded Dean. That has been said to be the case by more than one knowledgeable person on the forum.

[B. Dudley]

Once worn, colors cannot be “brought back” through cleaning. The same goes for damascus finish, and wood finish. Any finish.

The finishes being obscured by dirt, dried oil, or other surface contaminants is a different story. That is because the finish is covered, hidden, or even protected of you will. But
Not worn off.

And yes, colors always look great fresh out of an ultrasonic bath. But that is because the metal is wet. No different than if you coat something with oil. It will accentuate the appearance of existing color and finishes.

[noseeum]

Thanks all. I thought that might be the case. I have an old Stevens Double which I cleaned thoroughly but it really didn't do much to bring back the color. Another question: What would you use to clean the receiver and barrels? The barrels are very bright where they've been hiding under the hand guard for 100 years but not so there they've been exposed. Does exposure to air and UV dull the metal of the Damascus?