Brass Color

[Hanshi]

Didn't quite know where to put this but I'll go ahead and post the info.  A question I seen on this and other forums concerns how to darken brass.  Many recommend wiping it with a fouled patch, buying something called "brass black" and using cold blue.  One can also wait for the brass to "patina".  I've never tried any brass darkening liquid but have tried the rest.  So far the best thing I've found is the touch up aluminum black.  It does work fine on aluminum but also quickly turns brass black.  I've done one of my rifles and it looks quite good.  The only question is, "how durable is it"?  I've been waiting to see and will report back. 

[Patocazador]

I have used the aluminum black on pot metal on a CVA Mountain pistol belt clip and forearm metal that I built from a kit. It didn't turn the pot metal black just a bit grey and splotchy.

Is there anything that will darken pot metal?

[Hanshi]

Not to my knowledge, Patocazador.  And even with brass an occasional tiny spot or two won't darken.  This is likely caused by an inclusion of something in the alloy that didn't get mixed and crystallized out.  I've tried Easy Off oven cleaner before; it darkens and leaves sort of a "case hardened" look on brass.  Generally I just let it patina on its own or maybe help it with powder fouling.  I only have one rifle that had the brass blackened with aluminum black.