doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com A damascus browning question

I did my first set of barrels using Tony Treadwell's method, plus a boil to tun them black. I like the color and contrast that resulted,


but

the engraving on the ribs looks to have been filled in, I assume with the solution.

I was careful not to damage it with the prep striking, and it was nice and sharp after the etching. I did the carding lightly with four ought steel wool, I can't see that grinding down the rib.

So the question is do you fill the engraving with something to protect it? or is there an additional clean up step between applications.

Hi Osthaus have you got a picture of the engraving?

yes but you can't read it without a magnifier its so faint, I will see if I can get a better shot.



the underside stampings and proof marks which were not as sharp or fine still show -the steel wool could have gotten in there to clean it-



this set was a practice run, but the next set has engraving and matting I don't want to lose.

it says LONDON if you can see it



the focus isn't sharp but this is the same area after etching before the browning solution

How strong was your etching solution?

I mixed according to the directions in Treadwell's book. And the rib marking were still clear and sharp after the etching.

I am guessing that the etching solution was a bit strong, remember a solution can be fine one day too aggressive the next the humidity etc makes a difference, weaker solution may help.

thanks guys

I will certainly dilute it for the next try. Since the engraving was still good after that step I was looking at other causes, but the most aggressive step being the issue makes sense.

I have seen too strong of etching solutions washing out detail in makers marks and rib mating. Some that I have spoke to use solutions as low as 2% for etching.

I can see that happening, I suspected the browning was filling it in because I only etched once, and the rib's engraving was still clear after that step was washed, carded and dried.

I will go much much lighter on the next try.