Method of making old guns look white metal polished

Pre 1945 action rifles. Muzzle loading.

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dirtbag
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Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#1 Post by dirtbag »

Hi all, I have some oldies that need some TLC.
Some of my muskets & breechloaders have really nice white metal, and I Just wondered if there was a safe method of getting some of my other guns to that state please ?

I appreciate that most will never be showroom condition due to age etc
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TomH
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Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#2 Post by TomH »

They used to use brick dust as an abrasive polish on Brown Bess muskets I believe.
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Les
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Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#3 Post by Les »

Wet or Dry abrasive paper?

Starting at, say, 180 through 400 - 600 - 800 - 1200. Or have I misunderstood the question? 5mith
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saddler
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Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#4 Post by saddler »

Toothpaste, or the powder version....or bicarb. or a small Demel type cloth buffing wheel, loaded with jewellers rouge
dirtbag
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Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#5 Post by dirtbag »

Some good tips , many thanks and I will try !
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Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#6 Post by Christel »

ttiuwp
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Sim G
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Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#7 Post by Sim G »

Don't use anything "power" wise unless you're really good....

Wet and dry paper. Bluing and rust removing chemicals are available to take the finish off first if so desired.
In 1978 I was told by my grand dad that the secret to rifle accuracy is, a quality bullet, fired down a quality barrel..... How has that changed?

Guns dont kill people. Dads with pretty Daughters do...!
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legs748
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Re: Method of making old guns look white metal polished

#8 Post by legs748 »

Sim G wrote:Don't use anything "power" wise unless you're really good....

Wet and dry paper. Bluing and rust removing chemicals are available to take the finish off first if so desired.


+1

Don't use anything spinny on anything flat or it will put swirls in the surface however careful you think you are being, patience is the watchword for polishing metal.
It was working when i left it...........
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