I noticed that in the closeup photo of the original that the scope had a blotchy tone to it so I wanted to give mine a “base-coat” to mimic that blotchiness that would ever so slightly come through at angles.
To achieve that I took a disposable shop rag and just soaked it in the Aluminum Black and then rapped it around the scope, sort of rolled it up like a pig in a blanket hors d'oeuvres lol. Doing this would give me uneven areas all around the scope but I didn’t really care we’re or how pronounced as most of it would get covered as I would add layers of Aluminum Black anyway. All I was looking for were subtle areas I had noticed that come through on the original.
Only left it on there for about 15 or so seconds to give me this below. Just enough.
Now I could start layering on the Aluminum Black by just sponging on the layers. No dunking this time, I still want that aluminum shine and that base-coat blotchiness to come through.
Again, just like with the sponging I did with the bullnose, there was no need to constantly wash after each application since it evaporates almost instantly when applied. It truly is a controlled application yet still allows the oxidation to occur.
Getting closer but checking in natural sunlight not just sitting at my desk. Sometimes your eyes and lighting can plays tricks on you.
More layers and you can still see the blothiness and the shine, I’m ok with it so far.
Finally at a point where I think I’m happy with the color of the scope, time to hit it with oil.
A heavy coat of oil, let it sit to penetrate and we’ll see how much shine is left over. If it needs a little clearcoat, I might hit with a rub on lacquer. I don’t want anything too heavy.