doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Damascus Pattern Enhancement

I recently read a topic on a method that someone was using to help bring out the pattern on damascus barrels, without refinishing them. I can't remember which board I read it on. Does anyone have any suggestions that have worked for them?
Thanks.

Can't remember where I read that Clorox would work. Tried it on a damascus barrel scrap I had and didn't see any change. Maybe I didn't do it right.

Anyone else have any solutions? I'm curious to hear too.

If we only had the previous posts by Dr Gaddy! I've been through all that were saved by Dave on the FAQs and by Dave Miles, but haven't found the 'Clorox' post (which I also recall.)

I believe Russ Ruppel also may have posted about the Clorox treatment.

Mike: I think you're right. Then again, if it was easy, I doubt if Keith Kearcher or Dale Edmonds would be telling us

I do not know Mr Kearcher, but give Dale Edmonds a call at (816)444-2040. The man will tell you everything you want to know about etching damascus. He was working with Oscar to understand the process when Oscar passed. He has continued to grow and develop his own methods.

I have heard the bleach approach, as well as several others. My own experiments tell me that your mileage may vary. Not because the recommended solution is wrong, but because we don't know exactly alloys compose every set of damascus barrels. Some react well, others not as well.

Gordon,

You don't mention the gun. Is this a high end gun? What condition are the barrels in currently as far the damascus finish? Are they etched black & white, browned or blackened?

Pete

I also had read an article about using Ferric Choride? ( was sold by Radio Shack as an echer for circuit boards). This was used for black/white Damascus effect to bring out the white. Tried a few Radio Shacks and no one carried it anymore. Dr. Bill Hambidge could probably tell you about it.

If the pattern is still visable you can often do wonders by putting a coat of varnish on the barrels. Be sure to degrease the metal first--I use acetone. If you don't like the results it's very easy to remove the varnish.

Ferric cloride will give a light etch, as will cider vinager. CV is pretty mild but will slightly freshen up damascus. back when I was making damascus I knew some people who would freshen up an well used knife with it.

An added bonus was that their knife smelled like Easter eggs!