MarcN Posted May 12, 2021 Share #1 Posted May 12, 2021 QUESTION ABOUT COLORING METAL - My first build. I'm building my first wood model ship (Galeotta Greca from Amati) - 1/65 scale. I plan to leave it unpainted, varnished wood. The white metal gun carriage pieces don't look like wood and need coloring. The brass of the cannons are too 'golden' and shinny... real cannons would have a very dark patina I would think. I know I could paint them, but at such a small scale, even the slightest uneven build up would ruin the piece. I'm experimenting using wood stain (dark oak since that's all I have), and the first coat seems to be doing a good job... other coats to follow. QUESTION: Other than painting, what is a recommended process for aging and darkening metal parts that would have a usage and weathering patina. Keith Black 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Hill Posted May 12, 2021 Share #2 Posted May 12, 2021 I’ve had success with using Birchwood Casey ( gun blueing ) for blackening metal and brass. It takes a little finesse so get some practice pieces. There is some good instruction in the painting portion of this forum. mtaylor and Keith Black 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Rogers Posted May 12, 2021 Share #3 Posted May 12, 2021 What Bill said. Soak in Acetone first to remove oils, fresh water rinse, then gun blueing solution. Keith Black and mtaylor 2 Quote Regards, Jim Rogers Damn the Torpedoes , Full speed ahead. Adm David Farragut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Black Posted May 12, 2021 Share #4 Posted May 12, 2021 Marc, welcome to MSW. I look forward to seeing your build log. mtaylor 1 Quote Current Builds: Wood Hull Screw Frigate USS Tennessee Decorative Carrack Warship Restoration, the Amelia Completed: Early Swift 1805 Model Restoration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERS Rich Posted May 15, 2021 Share #5 Posted May 15, 2021 (edited) Take a look at Neolube....it’s alcohol based so dries almost instantly....it’s very thin, graphite colloidals in alcohol, and inexpensive. Available from Micromark. Brushes on, no need for soaking, less mess. Just checked price, maybe not inexpensive but competitive with Casey gun blueing products. Non hazardous waste, is a big benefit for me.... Edited May 15, 2021 by ERS Rich Keith Black and mtaylor 2 Quote Build Logs: USS Maine, USS Constitution (Hull) Albums: Baltimore Clipper, Sherbourne Cutter, Lackawanna Tug, Eagle Coastal Schooner, Katy Pilot Boat, Sultana Colonial Schooner, Armed Virginia Sloop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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