Ageing Metal

[longrifle]

 I have a new blued steel ramrod that I would like to age, is there a quick easy way to age it. Thank's

[Pete G.]

Spray with WD40 and polish with 600 grit automotive sandpaper.

[Bart]

You can sand the bluing off and apply Brownells 44/40 and raw bleach over top of that. You will have lots of rust in about 1/2 hour. Then you can work the rust down with sandpaper to desired look highlights where you want, let her set and darken up for a couple-three days or so then apply some oil and you should have it.

[Tom Moore]

I'm not sure how much "age" you're looking for but if you need some pitting press, press the rood hard against a coarse wire wheel. The harder you press, the deeper the pits. Rotate things around to randomize pitting and steel wool or sand to smooth rough edges. -Tom