[RDGAC]

I've returned to trying this stuff out on my much-prized, Damascus, rifled barrel, from the Khyber Pass jezail we acquired last year. The results are interesting.

Using RMDC demands a heck of a lot of attention - in stark contrast to the glib promises on the bottle, one is not "freed" from the process, simply because (unless one knows precisely what metal one is working with) one has to keep checking on the effect it's having on the object upon which it is used. This is especially so in this case, because of the importance of preserving the pattern on the barrel.

I have selected three specific areas upon which to experiment. One is a large, deep blister formation of corrosion; the other, a section of approximately 1.25 inches, which has been subjected to the formation of small, shallow patches of mottled corrosion. In both cases, a visible pattern remains in the area surrounding the corrosion, and presumably is also present beneath them. The third area, which was given one exposure of approx. 4 minutes, lay between these two; it consisted almost wholly of sound, patterned steel, which appeared unaffected.

In using RMDC I have adopted a seven-step process, viz.:

1) Apply a small amount of RMDC, using a fine-tipped paintbrush, to the relevant areas.

2) Leave the solution to work for between 4 and 8 minutes, with duration increasing if the sound metal appears undamaged.

3) Rinse away solution and dry exposed area/s.

4) Gently rub area/s with dry cloth.

5) Gently card area/s with small brass brush.

6) Probe any corroded areas with steel pick, being careful to avoid exposing sound metal. If sound metal is exposed, immediately stop.

7) Clean away any residues and return to step 1.

Thus far, I can report that:

1) RMDC still eats rust. (Not exactly surprising.)

2) The resultant finish is, at best, a tad dull.

3) The solution does not as yet appear to have any permanent effect on the pattern on the barrel. Though the metal is faded and dulled (indeed, pretty much matte), the pattern is still visible, if not prominently.

4) Prolonged application does not appear to produce desirable effects; especially when used on older and/or softer steels, it is important to keep a very, very close eye on things.

5) Polishing may yield an improvement in finish, but may also adversely affect the patterning. Thus far, experimental use of Renaissance Pre-Lim polish has not noticeably affected the pattern, but has also not noticeably improved the overall finish - a 0-0 draw!

6) The dull, matte-finished metal has properties I did not expect; to be exact, it appears to be slightly soft, and can be burnished to an extent by polishing. Passing a brass brush over the metal appeared to yield some scratching, unexpected given that the metal is still steel.

More to come. Meantime, some piccies.