Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Forum rules
Welcome to the Leverguns.Com General Discussions Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here other than politics... politely.
Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
Welcome to the Leverguns.Com General Discussions Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here other than politics... politely.
Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Considering some brass blackening on a Big Boy. I am not after a total black or blue finish. I would like a case hardened kind of
look. Considering different options like cold blue, and found that Birchwood Casey Super Blue will sure give it blue and purple on a
small spot that I tested, but not sure if I want to do the whole thing or how I would get a mottled, varied pattern with it.
Heard of aging with ammonia, and not sure that I just want it dull either. Some guys have done a little surface heat treating with oil,
but have not seen what that looks like.
Wondering what guys have done, and be willing to show some pictures of. Thanks guys!
look. Considering different options like cold blue, and found that Birchwood Casey Super Blue will sure give it blue and purple on a
small spot that I tested, but not sure if I want to do the whole thing or how I would get a mottled, varied pattern with it.
Heard of aging with ammonia, and not sure that I just want it dull either. Some guys have done a little surface heat treating with oil,
but have not seen what that looks like.
Wondering what guys have done, and be willing to show some pictures of. Thanks guys!
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
.
I no longer have the pics, but I got a nice CCH look on the brass bits (TG, BP, FE tip & estucheons) of a T/C Hawken frontstuffer.
I removed the brass' protective clear coat, then daubed the brass, willy-nilly, with a bunched-up Kleenex tissue wet with cold blue solution.
I used Formula 44/40 Instant Cold Blue (Brownell's), but IDK how/if other cold blue solutions would give the same results on a Henry's receiver, or even work at all on it.
.
I no longer have the pics, but I got a nice CCH look on the brass bits (TG, BP, FE tip & estucheons) of a T/C Hawken frontstuffer.
I removed the brass' protective clear coat, then daubed the brass, willy-nilly, with a bunched-up Kleenex tissue wet with cold blue solution.
I used Formula 44/40 Instant Cold Blue (Brownell's), but IDK how/if other cold blue solutions would give the same results on a Henry's receiver, or even work at all on it.
.
Last edited by Pete44ru on Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Sacrilege.
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 6500
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:40 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Birchwood Casey Brass Black.
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
-
- Levergunner 3.0
- Posts: 605
- Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:37 am
- Location: high desert of southern caliphornia
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
i don't know why anyone would want to 'black' a brass Henry... ...but...i would have it done professionally if i were to have it done.
if you think you're influencial, try telling someone else's dog what to do---will rogers
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Well I realize it's not everyone's cup of tea. But it is a current production gun. Not a historically accurate reproduction either. I imagine there were a few guys (and gals) who probably took some shine off a new Henry.
I find the bright gold a little gaudy. I'm out to age it, or give it something of a case hardened look.
I find the bright gold a little gaudy. I'm out to age it, or give it something of a case hardened look.
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
- J Miller
- Member Emeritus
- Posts: 14885
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 7:46 pm
- Location: Not in IL no more ... :)
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Age it with sweat and handling. Spend a summer in Arizona or the south west desert somewhere. Get a pair of real leather work gloves and carry and use the rifle outdoors daily. Sweat on it, get it dirty, handle it constantly with the dirty hard used sweaty leather gloves.
That will age it.
Joe
That will age it.
Joe
***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts .***
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Strip the clear coat and rub black powder fouling all over it. Give it a nice dull fuzzy finish.
Slow is just slow.
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Sounds good! Anyone want to sponsor a zany Canuck? I don't eat that much, and I'm always up for adventure! Where you at, J? I liked Southern California more than I thought, but really want to explore Arizona and Texas, too. I'm flexible, though!J Miller wrote:Age it with sweat and handling. Spend a summer in Arizona or the south west desert somewhere. Get a pair of real leather work gloves and carry and use the rifle outdoors daily. Sweat on it, get it dirty, handle it constantly with the dirty hard used sweaty leather gloves.
That will age it.
Joe
I have the leather ropers, but this thing doesn't seem to pick up anything but fingerprints. I think it has a little something else in it besides iron and copper that resists that. Aluminum? I kind of want some interesting colours in it, too. Someone must have done something like this.
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
- J Miller
- Member Emeritus
- Posts: 14885
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 7:46 pm
- Location: Not in IL no more ... :)
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Well, right now I'm in Indiana having just excaped from Illynoise. Were I in the SW I'm sure we could figure something out.Tactical Lever wrote:Sounds good! Anyone want to sponsor a zany Canuck? I don't eat that much, and I'm always up for adventure! Where you at, J? I liked Southern California more than I thought, but really want to explore Arizona and Texas, too. I'm flexible, though!J Miller wrote:Age it with sweat and handling. Spend a summer in Arizona or the south west desert somewhere. Get a pair of real leather work gloves and carry and use the rifle outdoors daily. Sweat on it, get it dirty, handle it constantly with the dirty hard used sweaty leather gloves.
That will age it.
Joe
I have the leather ropers, but this thing doesn't seem to pick up anything but fingerprints. I think it has a little something else in it besides iron and copper that resists that. Aluminum? I kind of want some interesting colours in it, too. Someone must have done something like this.
cas mentioned the clear coat and stripping that off. I'd forgotten about that.
My Cattleman SA originally had a clear coat on it. Once that was removed the original colors dulled and other colors kinda started showing.
Joe
***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts .***
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
It's a hardened bronze-aluminum alloy.
Can't give you percentages, but aluminum is a part of the formulation.
Denis
Can't give you percentages, but aluminum is a part of the formulation.
Denis
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Anybody think of asking Mr. Imperato (Henry Arms boss)?
In my limited experiences with Henry, Mr. Imperato seems to keep a hand in on all the goings on at Henry, both "business" and technical...
In my limited experiences with Henry, Mr. Imperato seems to keep a hand in on all the goings on at Henry, both "business" and technical...
Last edited by mikld on Wed Feb 24, 2016 1:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mike
Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit...
I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...
Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit...
I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Doubt he'd know, but you might try calling their service department & asking.
Denis
Denis
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
I bought a used .44 last month with supposedly only 14 rounds through it and a .357 a week later, which I ordered as brand new. Neither has 'clearcoat' on them. Both began tarnishing as soon as I began handling them. Disappointing.
Shooting buddy is a metallurgist. He says the 'brass' is an alloy
The tarnishing mine show is dull, lackluster appearance. Simichrome renews it to the look they had when they were bought.
Shooting buddy is a metallurgist. He says the 'brass' is an alloy
The tarnishing mine show is dull, lackluster appearance. Simichrome renews it to the look they had when they were bought.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
.
I guess I'm not a "bling" type of guy, since I like aged brass.
.
I guess I'm not a "bling" type of guy, since I like aged brass.
.
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Thanks guys. No clear coat on it. I dabbed a couple spots of Birchwood Casey Superblue on the bottom and that stuff is pretty good. Seems much better than a multi part blue
I tried on another gun once. I am a little worried about over-colouring it; but I suppose I can polish it off again, if I do.
Just working up the courage, and fishing for tips and tricks to get a nice mottled look. I will try to post pictures if it does not turn out too ugly.
I tried on another gun once. I am a little worried about over-colouring it; but I suppose I can polish it off again, if I do.
Just working up the courage, and fishing for tips and tricks to get a nice mottled look. I will try to post pictures if it does not turn out too ugly.
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
I was going to sugest shooting BP loads in it. That would age the brass nicely.
Jeremy
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Tried dabbing and selectively rubbing the finish with cloth, and q-tips. Also tried soaking some bluing through a kleenex. Did not get the right kind of finish, then had an idea. I thought that using steel wool might create an interesting effect. So I rubbed the brass with fine steel wool and bluing. I was able to correct some awful fooling around on the other side using this method as well.
There was a little oil left on the finish when I tried again, but I found using the steel wool and keeping a wet surface ended up looking a lot more "organic" and smooth vs. using rags. I am not quite done, but this part looks alright.
What do you guys think?
There was a little oil left on the finish when I tried again, but I found using the steel wool and keeping a wet surface ended up looking a lot more "organic" and smooth vs. using rags. I am not quite done, but this part looks alright.
What do you guys think?
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
This side did not turn out as well; it started off looking like I drew lines on it with a felt.
Forgive the clutter, I started to feel a little artsy fartsy.
Forgive the clutter, I started to feel a little artsy fartsy.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
.
IMO, it looks just fine - me likey !
.
IMO, it looks just fine - me likey !
.
- 2ndovc
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 9362
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:59 am
- Location: OH, South Shore of Lake Erie
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Looks better!
Jason B
Jason B
jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 6972
- Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:52 pm
- Location: Ridgefield WA. USA
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
It looks just fine on both sides to me. Now get out there and make some smoke!
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Thanks guys. I have to touch it up a little and do the butt plate (which does seem to have a clear coat) and the barrel band; but overall I'm happy with the way it's progressing.
And if I squint at it the right way, I can imagine it having a long and storied history.
And if I squint at it the right way, I can imagine it having a long and storied history.
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Plate & band may not react the same way, I believe different material.
Denis
Denis
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 6500
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:40 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
I'm not a fan of the highly polished brass receivers on any gun, so I think what you've done is a huge improvement! Makes it look older, and mellow.
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Checked.
Buttplate & barrel band are what they're calling a "common brass alloy".
The frame is a bronze/aluminum alloy.
You may get a slightly different chemical reaction.
Denis
Buttplate & barrel band are what they're calling a "common brass alloy".
The frame is a bronze/aluminum alloy.
You may get a slightly different chemical reaction.
Denis
- plowboy 45
- Senior Levergunner
- Posts: 1370
- Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2013 9:42 pm
- Location: PURVIS, MISSISSIPPI
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Looks real good to me
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Polished the butt plate and barrel band with some steel wool and then treated both to the same treatment the receiver got. Turned out pretty similar.DPris wrote:Checked.
Buttplate & barrel band are what they're calling a "common brass alloy".
The frame is a bronze/aluminum alloy.
You may get a slightly different chemical reaction.
Denis
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
-
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:44 am
- Location: God's Country NW or most
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Thanks for the kind words and advice fellas!
Profanity is a poor substitute for a proper education.
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 4737
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:00 am
- Location: North Coast of America-Ohio
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
For Me it looks WAY better than the shiny brass. I wonder if the same could be done to the Uberti Silverboy .22? I like them but hate the silver receiver. Jim.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
I like what you have done a lot, I am not a "bright finish" guy either. Good job.
"If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly"
- AJMD429
- Posting leader...
- Posts: 32276
- Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:03 am
- Location: Hoosierland
- Contact:
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
That looks really cool...!Tactical Lever wrote:This side did not turn out as well; it started off looking like I drew lines on it with a felt.
Forgive the clutter, I started to feel a little artsy fartsy.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
I like it! I'm not much of a bling guy either.Tactical Lever wrote:Tried dabbing and selectively rubbing the finish with cloth, and q-tips. Also tried soaking some bluing through a kleenex. Did not get the right kind of finish, then had an idea. I thought that using steel wool might create an interesting effect. So I rubbed the brass with fine steel wool and bluing. I was able to correct some awful fooling around on the other side using this method as well.
There was a little oil left on the finish when I tried again, but I found using the steel wool and keeping a wet surface ended up looking a lot more "organic" and smooth vs. using rags. I am not quite done, but this part looks alright.
What do you guys think?
For comparison, if you want to make it look like aged, here's a pic a my 66 with aged "gunmetal" and never polished.
But I DO like the casecolored mottling on your gun just fine.
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
I am not a fan of the shiny guns, either. Glare bothers me more every year, and I am certain that the Henry would reflect a lot of glare when it looks new. I like the Henry .22 I have, and I think the quality is great. Shiny is just not my preference in a firearm I plan on using a lot. I am glad to know that there will be something which I can do if/when I get a Henry with that brass look.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
- Buck Elliott
- Member Emeritus
- Posts: 2830
- Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:15 pm
- Location: Halfway up Sheep Mountain -- Cody, Wyoming
Re: Thinking of brass blackening on Henry
Brass is an alloy.. A mixture of copper and zinc.
The original 1860 Henry and 1866 Winchester had bronze - "gunmetal" frames.
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin..
Whatever the Henry Big Boy frame is made of, it is also magnetic..
Brass is not magnetic.. Neither is bronze..
The original 1860 Henry and 1866 Winchester had bronze - "gunmetal" frames.
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin..
Whatever the Henry Big Boy frame is made of, it is also magnetic..
Brass is not magnetic.. Neither is bronze..
Regards
Buck
Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens, and the unforeseeable, that which your life becomes...
Buck
Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens, and the unforeseeable, that which your life becomes...