Hi all -

Rod building isn't an aspect of the sport I've got into - yet - but over on a US forum the conversation turned to improving the appearance of rapidly-tarnishing nickel silver rod furniture, and I've been advised that:

"All NS will dull. There are both bluing agents and bronzing agents on the market and I would go that route and be done with it. There is a trick to these agents. Clean the hardware with 0000 steel wool and alcohol. Then wet a folded paper towel with the chemical. Wait 60 seconds. The chemical loses most of its potency in that time. Rub the part with the paper towel until it darkens to your taste. If you get it too dark. Start over. I find the metal actually looks better after being re-stripped a couple of times.”

Can anyone on the UK side of the Pond recommend a bronzing agent for use in this way - and where to buy it? Or are UK / EU regs more stringent than those in the US, making such products very difficult to find over here?

Many thanks!

Theo

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Does the EU now prohibit our photoshops from supplying Kodak E-6 fixers? If not Jessops supply the Ilford equivalent.

This website offers some tips on the subject: Bamboo Rodmaking Tips - Tips Area - Hardware - Bluing

I think REC, who offer Nickel Silver Ferrules, also supply blueing agents.
REC was imported by the same people that brought in Scott, who went under last year. WCB may know, as would Reneé at Foxons (St. Asaph).

From your post:
"If you get it too dark. Start over... the metal actually looks better after being re-stripped a couple of times.”
Can't go wrong really can you? Good luck!

I've never done it myself but I would think one of these products would be suitable:

Peter Dyson & Son Ltd. METALWORKING PRODUCTS

Pete

Thanks guys - I like the look of the Dyson stuff!

Theo

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theopike.com
wandletrust.org
urbantrout.net

I used to do all my nickel silver ferrules with gun finishing blue. You can get a small bottle of that in gel or liquid form from any outlet that deals in shooting supplies.



David.

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You can also buy a bluing agent from Chapmans. It is a pretty simple process.