Thanks for the replies.
Little update, sorted out some scrap barrel ribs to use as some test pieces and Ive managed to get 3 passes on them so far. So far it seems they still want to develop a good coating of rust on the 3rd application, which is better than the last test pieces. Colour is still a greyish/ slightly black. Im guessing its going to need at least 6 passes but Ill wait and see.
I can only get the laurel mountain forge barrel brown and degreaser over here. The uk website of brownells doesnt seem to sell the classic rust blue. Does anyone know the makeup of it? Might already be one Angiers recipes under a different name.
I have been toying with the idea of trying a formula with mercuric chloride in but the stuff scares me as Ive read how toxic it can be and I have no training or understanding how to handle the stuff safely. Is the recipe your writing about Damascus on page 72 Ac6 Express Brown? Its got a foot note concerning H. Lovell and if so, it has got quite alot of mercuric chloride in it. I have looked for it and you can buy it here in the uk. Sort of tempted to try it if nothing else works.
If im not mistaken the Niedner formula is just aqua regia with iron in. I will give it a go on a test piece once Ive mixed it up. Still sticking with ferrobronze at the moment.
Last question, has anyone had trouble with their solution because the chemicals theyve bought have not been up to a certain quality. The copper sulphate and ferrous sulphate Ive bought are technical grade only, which is quite low on the different grades of chemical you can buy.
JMH
