I do all of the preliminary degreasing as you do, only with different detergents etc.
I brown and card for 5 or 6 times or more before I use the FECL4 solution by putting it on with a brush moving up and down the bbls as I leave it on for about 30 seconds.I usually brown and card dry about 2-3 times more . I then do the final Ferric Chloride treatment before adding it to boiling water with a handful of Logwood chips and Ferrous Sulfate ( about 1/4 cup) for 5-7 minutes. Then take fine steel wool and take off the top layer of black excess.
