preserving a Case Hardened finish

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vintagerifle
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preserving a Case Hardened finish

Post by vintagerifle »

Should I be concerned with what preservative I used on my Marlin 97, relative to not hurting the case hardening colors?
Currently I use EEZOX. The stuff seems great.
But's unclear to me whats in the stuff beyond what is listed in the msds:
http://www.eezox.info/msds.html

So it does have at least Trichloroethylene and is oxygenated. I have no idea what the preservative or lubricant is in it.

I'm thinking the colors are "in" the top layer of the metal, and thus anything that doesn't abrade the surface should be OK. But I could also imagine something reacting with the surface being a problem too.

Any comments?
Carl
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Model 97 Deluxe: Just like I always wanted.
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Road King
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Re: preserving a Case Hardened finish

Post by Road King »

Renaissance and Conservator's Wax is what is highly recommended for use on guns with case coloring. I know you said in another post that you were having trouble getting it off and really don't understand why. Use just a light coat and allow to dry and buff off. Another product that is recommended is Old West Snake Oil. http://www.oldwestsnakeoil.com/
UV lighting is one of the biggest enemy of case colors, so keeping gunning out of direct sunlight. My collection of Marlins , and many have like new CC are waxed and displayed on the walls of gun room with out any windows and the case coloring has not deteriorated since I have acquired them.
It will be interested in hearing what others have to say.
Road King
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Brent
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Re: preserving a Case Hardened finish

Post by Brent »

Acids are the biggest enemy of case colors. I've never been able to fade any in UV light - contrary to internet lore.

most case colorers will coat your action with a light coat of lacquer unless you specify not to. Personally, I don't care for lacquer on my rifles but that is a very traditional finish over case.
vintagerifle
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Testing Protectants

Post by vintagerifle »

I've been curious how Renaissance Wax compares with EEZOX and Break Free Collector, so I ran a test. This time I used plain steel and human sweat (ick!). If you are curious the full results are on my blog here:
http://www.vintageveloce.com/2014/05/me ... sited.html

In short, I really wasn't impressed with Renaissance Wax, but EEZOX and Break Free Collector performed well.

I'm using EEZOX on all my metal now. I will continue to use Renaissance Wax on the wood.

;-)
Carl
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Model 97 Deluxe: Just like I always wanted.
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JohnnyLoco
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Re: preserving a Case Hardened finish

Post by JohnnyLoco »

Good info
Ferguson Outfitters
http://www.thefergusons.us/ferguson-outfitters.html
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Road King
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Re: Testing Protectants

Post by Road King »

vintagerifle wrote:I've been curious how Renaissance Wax compares with EEZOX and Break Free Collector, so I ran a test. This time I used plain steel and human sweat (ick!). If you are curious the full results are on my blog here:
http://www.vintageveloce.com/2014/05/me ... sited.html

In short, I really wasn't impressed with Renaissance Wax, but EEZOX and Break Free Collector performed well.

I'm using EEZOX on all my metal now. I will continue to use Renaissance Wax on the wood.

;-)
Carl
Great post and good information. I would like to see this test done using Ballistol multi-purpose sportsman's oil. I understand this is what is used at the Smithsonian.
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marlinman93
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Re: preserving a Case Hardened finish

Post by marlinman93 »

I use Old West Snake Oil on all my guns metal and wood finishes. I don't saturate them, but I keep the same cloth in a ziplock bag and simply wipe them down with it. If the rag gets too dry, I add a few drops to it, and put it back in the bag for future use.
On old Marlins and Ballards I've restored, I always seal the finish with laquer.
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