Weathering a Graflex ClampHi

[propmainiac]

Hi all
Weathering an Obi Wan lightsaber. The clamp is too new lookng for me. It's a romans empire clamp I believe it's aluminum. Is there any way to weather it and make it look a little rusty and pitted? Right now I have it soaking in salt water. Not real sure I want to use anything harsh. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks

 

[thd9791]

This should totally be moved to the Star Wars Section, mods.

I've heard of people using some sort of acid...vinegar, or something stronger to weather it. I've never done chemical weathering so I'd be interested to see detail too!

 

[Serenity]

If it's aluminum, and the surface gloss/plating is removed, then Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black will darken the bare aluminum to a matte black.

If you're playing it safe, try some different acrylic and enamel paints. With some variation in colors (black, silver, browns) then it can look pretty good. See James Kenobi's work here: http://www.therpf.com/f79/2-new-obi-wan-new-hope-lightsabers-ive-been-working-107902/

 

[parfaitelumiere]

It's not aluminum it's chromed steel.
The problem with replicas is the chrome layer is really too thin, and the copper layer under is too thick, so no way to make a credible etching.
I wouldt tell you to follow serenity advise making paint job, but first covering with aluminum tape, I did so on my replicas, it's quite correct.
If you want something better, I would suggest you to buy a real ring on the junkyard here there is guy selling many, then you remove bars and lever from replica and put on original.
Please take care, the lever is VERY weak on replicas, ther is actually no decent replica of the graflex clamp on the market.

 

[propmainiac]

Now you tell me! Lol! The vinegar and salt solution I used took the finish off exposing the copper underneath in some spots. Plus the clamp lever snapped off! Trying to decide how best to fix this new problem. I used to use a product called sophisticated finishes which was a two step process to create rust. I may use this to hide the copper looking areas.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

This is a good question. Not to veer off topic, but I had some chrome strap slides that I was going to use on my Endor rifle and they are too shiny. I wonder if the salt and vinegar solution would work better on those.

I would try to use a really good aluminum paint or foil to fix the clamp though.

 

[Sym-Cha]

Ask member 3cell for a nicely already weathered by age G R A F L E X clamp and be done

Chaim

 

[parfaitelumiere]

the other member is avolow, he has many rings, and cheap prices.

the best for removing shinyness on chrome is to sand a little bit with fine paper.
Sandblasting doesn't work on replica clamps because it removes the chrome entirely.

 

[propmainiac]

Ok so the vinegar and salt bath ate the brushed chrome off revealing the copper. So I'm going to paint the clamp with aluminum paint then use my two step rust stuff on it. Romans has a clamp lever so I'll get that and be ok.

 

[mugatu]

Ok so the vinegar and salt bath ate the brushed chrome off revealing the copper. So I'm going to paint the clamp with aluminum paint then use my two step rust stuff on it. Romans has a clamp lever so I'll get that and be ok.

I am researching electro-nickel-plating at home. I don't know how fast you are wanting to fix this, but I think I am about a month out from trials. I have a whole Graflex needing to be replated. Just fyi...