Lock in the white.

[tenngun]

I’ve filed a lock or two before browning. Then my last couple of guns I filed sanded and browned lightly then buffed off with steel wool. Now I’m building and want to leave the lock in the white. I’ve filed the plate, and sanded to 220 grit paper, how far to you all go buffing steel your leaving ‘in the white’?

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
I eventually use stones and mineral oil to polish the surface pretty highly. The equivalent with paper would be 800-1000 grit. The reason is that the higher polish resists rust better. I also case harden the plate and flintcock which also helps resist corrosion.

dave

 

[tenngun]

:thumbs up:

 

[Pete G]

I use a coating of phosphoric acid for an antique grey and some rust resitance.

 

[tenngun]

:thumbs up:

I use a coating of phosphoric acid for an antique grey and some rust resitance.

Where do you get it?

 

[Robby]

The hardware store under the name Naval Jelly.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C016OC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Robby

 

[Zonie]

I’ve filed a lock or two before browning. Then my last couple of guns I filed sanded and browned lightly then buffed off with steel wool. Now I’m building and want to leave the lock in the white. I’ve filed the plate, and sanded to 220 grit paper, how far to you all go buffing steel your leaving ‘in the white’?

If you plan on leaving the lock "in the white", the higher the polish, the better it is at resisting rust.

If you don't want a mirror bright finish then stop with just the very fine grit sandpaper but the final decision is one that only you can make.

 

[tenngun]

The hardware store under the name Naval Jelly.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C016OC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Robby

Great, got that on hand.

 

[tenngun]

If you plan on leaving the lock "in the white", the higher the polish, the better it is at resisting rust.

If you don't want a mirror bright finish then stop with just the very fine grit sandpaper but the final decision is one that only you can make.

I don’t want a ‘chromed’ looked, but want a used in white look, will try the naval jelly.

 

[Eric Krewson]

Here are two pictures; The first of a lock I just polished and one of the same lock several years down the road. I like the natural soft patina a polished lock takes on over time.

 

[tenngun]

 

[tenngun]

View attachment 3126

Like the navel jelly post polishing