Trying to make a new sling look old...

[Mike D]

I treated the leather with Obenaufs' oil and love the darker look, but is there any thing I can do with the brass? I don't even know if it is brass, or maybe brass plated? I was afraid I might take finish off. Any ideas?[/QUOTE][/IMG]

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[John Beard]

You might try degreasing the hooks with alcohol, then rubbing with a salt solution and let it sit a day or two.

Just a thought. I have no idea what it will do. But, I do know that salt promotes rapid oxidation!!!

J.B.

[Emri]

You are in SC, just wait for winter to be over and hang it outside for the summer. The heat and humidity should "weather" it just fine !

[Allen Humphrey]

Salt would be the most natrual, since that is what is on your hands. Vinegar would also promote oxidation, and probably faster. I'd try a small spot on the back for a short time.

[Mike D]

Well, I tried removing any laquer with a pretty harsh solvent. Then tried some vinegar, nothin'. Maybe I'll try some steel wool in conjunction. It can't hurt whatever is on the hooks of this $25 sling. Thanks for the replies, guys.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Hey Mike,

I tried several things before I figured this out.
I 'aged' my buckles with some of that inexpensive cold blue from Walmart. (Finally, a good use for the stuff)

I used solution for breaking in new baseball gloves to soften and darken the leather

I know what you mean. I have a couple of authentic 1907 slings but they're too fragile to use, and the new slings look terrible on old guns.

These are brand new strong slings that were light colored -
I put a second coat of cold blue on the buckle on the right after this photo was taken -
Regular handling made everything look even better.

[sevenfingers2001]

44-40 will make them black and then you could burnish it with 0000 steel wool. No guarantee but might be worth a try

[Mike D]

What is 44-40?

[TOOLMAKER64]

44-40 is cold blue. you can get it thru Brownells.

[saddler]

Birchwood Casey make a nice Brass Black

Apply this with a Q-tip (keeping it off the sling leather) & once its dried you can then gradually reduce it some with very fine steel wool