The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Rusting Barrels

Posted by Richard Ranney on August 20, 2021, 3:50 pm

Would it matter if you rusted and carded multiple times prior to boiling? As I understand it rusting is used to make one steel rust more than the other. Stands to reason, to me, that you could improve that by rusting multiple times prior to boiling. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Richard

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Mark Robson on August 20, 2021, 4:32 pm, in reply to "Rusting Barrels"

It depends on the finish you want. Multiple rusting without conversion with boiling or steaming will result in a very dull matte finish.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Richard Ranney on August 20, 2021, 8:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

Thank you. Mark that’s the last thing I want.
Richard

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by David Williamson on August 21, 2021, 6:52 am, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

Original L.C. Smith barrels were a matte finish from the factory.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Richard Ranney on August 21, 2021, 2:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

That being the case David, these will definitely be matte. Hopefully I’ll master the matte finish look. If you or anyone else can give input on the best way to accomplish that I’d certainly appreciate it.
Richard

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by David Williamson on August 22, 2021, 7:39 am, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

When I do my own barrels whether Damascus or steel I rust twice before boiling, I don't card the barrels before then. When I do card I use pieces of old denim pants as my carding material. You can go pretty rigorously and not worry about removing too much.
As far as how many coats, it all depends on the condition of the rest of the gun, good condition maybe four rustings and two boils. I think the most I have done is 6 rusting and 4 boilings. If too much of a sheen, you can use 0000 steel wool. I usually coat the barrels by warming them with a propane torch and then using motor oil on a rag to coat them. It does gives the barrels a slight sheen but at least they are protected somewhat.
I use Laurel Mountain Forge for rusting and I am satisfied with it. My last set of barrels that I did was about 3 years ago.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Richard Ranney on August 23, 2021, 8:23 pm, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

David I’m going to rust twice and after seeing your method and another’s, I’m going to do the same with denim. What I’m not certain of is how much rust to remove. Should I just remove the dust off or be a little more aggressive? I appreciate your assistance.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by David Williamson on August 24, 2021, 6:25 am, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

Richard using the denim cloth you cannot remove too much. After the second rusting and carding the barrels should have some color and after you boil they need to be carded again. Do that same process until the your desired finish is achieved.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on August 25, 2021, 5:09 pm, in reply to "Rusting Barrels"

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I rust blue quite a bit of barrels and find that the finer the finish (1500 grit) yields a gloss black finish and then a 320 grit yields more of a matte gray finish more similar to factory. I personally prefer the finer black finish which tends to resemble that of a British gun so I polish a bit further to the 1000-1500 grit. As far as multiple rustings and carding I do 2 rustings before I boil however I'm using almost exclusively mark Lee's express blue which I have found yields the best finish. I have used all of the different solutions and they all work but found that with the humidity, timing, and desired finish it works the best for me. I don't card between rustings until they are boiled. I lightly card with steel wool to loosen it and then use a stiff shop towel to finish carding it off as not to over do it.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Richard Ranney on August 25, 2021, 10:48 pm, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

Zachery just to clarify, you rust twice, boil and then card? Or lightly card prior to you first boil?
Also, after your first boil, I’m assuming you rust again, boil and card and continue this process until you’re satisfied with your results? Thanks for responding.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on August 26, 2021, 9:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

I apply the rusting solution with a 1 in foam brush. Allow 1st coat to rust and then apply a 2nd coating of solution and then allow it to rust. After the second coat has dried and been allowed to rust I boil and then card. The rust I get from the Mark Lee's solution produces a very fine rust so I think this is why I get by with being able to apply two coats. When I was using other solutions the rust was a bit more course. After the initial run I do the exact same thing over and over usually 6-10 cycles depending on the barrels and how dark I want them. You will get to a point where they do not look like they are rusting but just hazing but they are still rusting. That is when you start to know that you are about there. When I card the material I'm removing nothing more than a soot like material finer than velvet. It may look splotchy at first but the more cycles you do the more it will blend in. The most important thing above all is the polish before bluing!

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Richard Ranney on August 27, 2021, 3:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

Zachary that was my plan. So, you don’t etch until you’re satisfied with the rusting process? Keep in mind I’m doing Damascus barrels, not just bluing them.

Re: Rusting Barrels

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on August 27, 2021, 4:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Rusting Barrels"

I have done a few Damascus but not nearly as many as just blue. I will etch usually after the boil and card. I will then rinse, card again, rerust, and repeat. I had a vat for the acid but ended up ditching it as I didn't have anymore to do at the time. There is another way of doing Damascus that Jerry Andrews does that doesn't use acid I think. If I were you I would reach out to him for advice as he is a wealth of knowledge. I know that when I get ready to do another I am going to try his way.

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