AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: rich pierce on August 26, 2025, 04:49:56 PM
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I picked up a small bottle of “Metal Browning Solution” from Log Cabin Shop at the Kempton show. I am finding it to be easy to apply without fuss or careful technique required, and to work quickly and with a nice fine grained, durable brown color. I think it cost $5.50. I felt like it was 1980 or something when I saw the price. It will be my go-to solution for browning or patinating steel.
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If that is the same stuff previously sold by R.E. Davis under their label "Gunmetal Brown", I think you will like it . The Davis product is the only browning solution that I have found will give you a true "plum brown" that is a bluish purple- brown in color. If what you have is the same product, I am glad to see that The Log Cabin Shop , as Davis' successor, is still carrying it.
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That's great news Rich especially as so many people struggle getting good results on that task.
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I tried to order this browning solution on line.....not listed on their on line catalog....:(
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Give Liza a call at the Log Cabin Shop, I’m sure she can hook you up! They have so much stuff not listed online…I think I’ll order myself a bottle or two as well.
-Steve
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need some photos of the finished results
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In my experience with browning or blueing, one can get a very wide variety of results, depending on what is desired. By using high humidity and multiple applications between carding, a coarse grained finish or even pitting can be achieved. With diluted agent, less humidity, and careful carding between applications a light reddish brown, almost transparent finish can be achieved. I’m not as sold on browning for flintlock era American guns as I was in 1978. Now it’s part of the simulated aging process for me. I often get it well browned then take most of it off, and perhaps tint it with an application of quick blueing agent, then highlight wear areas using pumice and a wet polish.
I recommend this product because it wasn’t tricky to apply like some that require the “one direction, light coat, do not overlap brush strokes” and so on. I am getting uniform color and texture.
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For the last few years Ive gotten a few bottles of Homer Danglers browning solution from Log Cabin Shop. I think it was 6.00 last time. It works very well and fast like you say. I find that it really doesnt matter if I use rubber gloves or not. I like the stuff.
(https://i.ibb.co/mrP1RBsN/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kVPkGynm)
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Thanks for the tip Rich. I've been trying to concoct a formula but so far the results are dubious. I'll give this a try.
PS they ship quick - https://logcabinshop.com/oc30/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=25952
(https://i.ibb.co/wrbvqPP1/20250830-212520.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XkdwPKKT)
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For the last few years Ive gotten a few bottles of Homer Danglers browning solution from Log Cabin Shop. I think it was 6.00 last time. It works very well and fast like you say. I find that it really doesnt matter if I use rubber gloves or not. I like the stuff.
(https://i.ibb.co/mrP1RBsN/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kVPkGynm)
Hmm maybe I didn't buy the right one, I didn't realize the log cabin shop had others. Rich?