Anyway to reseal brass frame firearms?

[JackSlade]

If I have an 1860, 1866, a couple brass TG/BS revolvers, and I (in dry Arizona) am starting to see corrosion on the brass, is there a way to "seal" the metal? I can clean it up with 0000 steel wool, but I vaguely remember people saying that the brass frames from uberti/Taylors/cimarron are not true brass frame, but they seal the metal with some type of dyed metallurgy? Idk, but I'm curious if "a thin coat of gun oil" isn't doing the trick, is there something to get that 'factory level protection' on the brass again?

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Not really, wipe down with oily rag.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

The so-called brass frames on Italian guns are not real brass (copper and zinc) but gun bronze alloy (copper and tin with a very small amount of zinc), which has better strength than most brass alloys.   Look up "C90500 TIN BRONZE" as an example of what Uberti may be using. 

Gun Metal Bronze by Atlas Bronze Company

 

These gun-bronze frames get a poly-plastic coat at the factory from what I have been told.   Probably not worth trying to replace the coating as a DIY project.  Folks I know who have tried with polyurethane are not happy with trying to get a protective coat on the frame.

 

Patina on bronze is a self-sealing protection layer - very thin - and it's not harming the metal.  If you like the brownish color.

 

The chemical coating ("dyeing") of frames (color "case hardening" decoration) that is applied to some steel frames and minor parts to simulate conventional case hardening (but not as durable).  

 

Two different types of metal, and the "coatings" are two entirely different things.

 

good luck, GJ

 

 

Edited December 3, 2025 by Garrison Joe, SASS #60708

[Crusty Knees]

Clear Cerakote

 

https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating?finishes=cera_clear

[JackSlade]

55 minutes ago, Crusty Knees said:

Clear Cerakote

 

https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating?finishes=cera_clear

Now that's an idea I hadn't thought of...

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

Try Brasso.

 

[Sarge]

 

Quote

 

Renaissance Wax

Edited December 3, 2025 by Sarge

[Cholla]

Spray lacquer. That's what Standard uses on their frames.

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

I personally love the tarnished look and strive to make all my Brass guns have that look by shooting a lot of Black Powder and not scrubbing down the outside of the receiver. 

If you want it to shine it takes a lot more work .

Cleaning and polishing compounds and cleaning and polishing compounds and cleaning and polishing compounds. 

You get it .

Just shoot Black Powder in the Bronze guns and Smokeless in the steel guns and be happy 🤣😂

Rooster 

[El Sobrante Kid]

54 minutes ago, Sarge said:

 

Renaissance Wax

 

THIS^^^ Renaissance Wax . Anything like Brasso, Flitz, etc. is a polish and will primarily remove the oxidation and fine scratches. It will do little to maintain the bright finish. If you want the bright finish you will need to first use a polish, then apply the Renaissance Wax. This is not likely to be a one-and-done application, but should last for a fairly long time.

[Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428]

When I was a teen, I bought a brass frame 51 (44 caliber).  I shot it a lot. When it started getting really “unshiny”. I got a great idea. I polished it until it shined, and then sprayed it with clear polyurethane (probably krylon, whatever was on sale at Builders Emporium).  Looked real good… for a while. Then the polyurethane started wearing off wear points and getting scratched and all those spots got tarnished while the rest stayed shiny under the poly. Looked real funny.  Finally ended up taking off the coating, polishing it one more time and then just letting the brass tarnish as it did naturally. 

[Lazy Eeyour]

Boiled linseed oil can be used on bronze to create a protective coating that helps prevent rust and corrosion. It penetrates the metal and forms a hard finish, making it a suitable option for maintaining bronze items.

[watab kid]

On 12/3/2025 at 12:40 PM, Sarge said:

 

Renaissance Wax

this wasa my first thought but i think regular wipe down with silicon impregnated cloth will prevent it as well ,  

[watab kid]

20 hours ago, Lazy Eeyour said:

Boiled linseed oil can be used on bronze to create a protective coating that helps prevent rust and corrosion. It penetrates the metal and forms a hard finish, making it a suitable option for maintaining bronze items.

thats good to know 

[Canton Chris]

Everbrite is what we use for brass ceiling tiles, prevents tarnishing & corrosion 

[watab kid]

thats good to know as well , far better than adding a cerecoat or clearcoate laquer or some  other coating , these can gum up the works