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Ever want to get rid of the shiny and go dull? I am in the process of my first frame-off restoration of a 1951 M38. I decided to make it a motor pool restoration where the vehicle will look great but certainly not “new”. I was looking for a way to slightly patina the new fasteners which I’ll purchase from the local big box store(s). As a motorpool restoration, various components would have been changed, swapped, or replaced. Therefore, the fasteners may or may not have been painted over. I was looking for a way to patina the fasteners without losing much or any of their resistance to corrosion.
My test today yielded acceptable results. I used 3 tablespoons of Lemi Shine in 2 cups of water. I submerged the Zinc plated fastener for approximately 4 hours and then rinsed. The line on the treated bolt was from an extended submersion of the bolt head for an additional 2 hours to see what affect additional time would have. The zinc was etched but doesn’t appear to have been completely removed. I think this will be just fine for that “aged but serviceable” look.
My test today yielded acceptable results. I used 3 tablespoons of Lemi Shine in 2 cups of water. I submerged the Zinc plated fastener for approximately 4 hours and then rinsed. The line on the treated bolt was from an extended submersion of the bolt head for an additional 2 hours to see what affect additional time would have. The zinc was etched but doesn’t appear to have been completely removed. I think this will be just fine for that “aged but serviceable” look.