How to age new hardware?

[72-SS-L48]

How do I take a new bolt that is shiny and nice and get it to rust or age? Odd question I know, but are there any techniques or chemicals to use? Maybe just water in a little bucket outside in the cold?

Thanks,

Dave

[BARN FIND]

This may sound odd but ask a gunsmith, I believe that "blueing" a gun barrel is actually a controlled oxidizing process and can be done with different color results.

[72-SS-L48]

Interesting you say that. I heard from another person that "browning soluation" that a gun shop would sell ages metal.

I guess I'll have to look into it.

Thanks,
Dave

[Canuck]

dip it in muriatic acid, it will start rusting real soon.
Paul

[72-SS-L48]

[ QUOTE ]
dip it in muriatic acid, it will start rusting real soon.
Paul

[/ QUOTE ]

I've heard good things about muriatic acid too. What is the process involved with that? Keep the hardware in it for a few days, or just dip real quick and let it air dry?

Also do you know where it is sold?

Thanks,
Dave

[Xplantdad]

Muriatic acid is sold at any hardware store...

[John Brown]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
dip it in muriatic acid, it will start rusting real soon.
Paul

[/ QUOTE ]

I've heard good things about muriatic acid too. What is the process involved with that? Keep the hardware in it for a few days, or just dip real quick and let it air dry?

Also do you know where it is sold?

Thanks,
Dave

[/ QUOTE ]

A few seconds is more like it. In a few days the part would be gone!! Muratic might be a bit much, plus you'll get yellowing you might not like. Probably need to experiment with a weaker solution than what you find at the pool supply store or hardware.

[m22mike]

Like John said....be careful with muriatic acid...nasty stuff full strength for sure.
I have used it ( outside, it gasses real good ) to remove heavy rust from parts like rotors and drums. Then after rinsing with water and neutralizing with baking soda the stuff still develops a coat of rust, at which point I clean with phosphoric acid or media blast.
If you are just trying to destroy some of the new finish on zinc and phosphate bolts I would just experiment with some short dwell times to see what happens ??

Mike

[SD 396]

[ QUOTE ]

Like John said....be careful with muriatic acid...nasty stuff full strength for sure.
I have used it ( outside, it gasses real good )
Mike

[/ QUOTE ]
A note here that Mike mentioned. Make sure you use it outside. If you have it open inside it will start gassing and will rust any and every bare steel part in your shop or garage. I use it in a loosely covered container outside and when I am finished I put it all back in the sealed jugs when I bring it back inside.
Brad

[72-SS-L48]

Thanks very much for the info!

-Dave