Anyone know how to restore damascus pattern?

[WildBillHimself]

I have a 125 years old Ithaca double barrel. The barrels are a smooth, even, dark brown color (aged rust?) but the original chain damascus pattern is visible in some places. I've found written and video instructions on restoring but the methods require lots of time and special equipment. Have you any experience or suggestions on how to do a simple restoration of the pattern? Thanks.

 

[palmettomoon]

Try this if you are no longer worried about the original finish:

 

[WildBillHimself]

I'm probably going to use that to strip the rust but I assume that the metal will then be bare with no pattern. Any idea of how to bring out the pattern?

 

[palmettomoon]

I think this removes only the iron oxide and not the carbon coloring in Damascus steel.

 

[palmettomoon]

I wish I had a test piece around here somewhere.

 

[fast306stang]

Tons and tons of google hits for "restoring or re-etching Damascus blades." I would assume it's the same for a shotgun barrel.

 

[gh1950]

Check and make sure that the barrels are really Damascus. Damascus was the high grade barrel material, and there was a process where the manufacturer could apply a Damascus finish to plain barrels If that is removed, it can't be restored.

 

[Fear Itself]

I think you could treat the barrels with beeswax after you get the iron oxide removed and would get good results. Cheap toilet seals are great sources of good beeswax.

 

[palmettomoon]

I think you could treat the barrels with beeswax after you get the iron oxide removed and would get good results. Cheap toilet seals are great sources of good beeswax.

New ones you mean (I hope)....

 

[Fear Itself]

New ones you mean (I hope)....

Bwahahahaha! I saw it after I hit post LOL