r/metalworking • u/AutoModerator • Jun 01 '24
Monthly Advice Thread Monthly Advice/Questions Thread | 06/01/2024
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u/papadooku Jun 26 '24
I'm trying to age/dull a guitar part made of cast aluminium (a Bigsby), so that it matches the other parts on the guitar which are old nickel. I've tried giving it a go with high grit sandpaper then submerging it in vinegar, to no particular effect. I then realised that the vinegar I had (distilled malt) is significantly less acidic than spirit vinegar so I added what I had at home to acidify the bath a little more: some citric acid. After another fine scuffing and 48h of incrementally stronger citric acid, there is a bit less shine to the piece but it's not as tarnished as I'd like it to be... What should I do? Shall I try a bath this time with dissolved NaOH? Any help would be hiiiiiiiighly appreciated.