Coloring brass cannons and metal fittings

[MarcN]

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.

[Bill Hill]

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.

[Jim Rogers]

What Bill said. Soak in Acetone first to remove oils, fresh water rinse, then gun blueing solution.

[Keith Black]

Marc, welcome to MSW. I look forward to seeing your build log. 

[ERS Rich]

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