Nickel

[sea]

How can I turn it to flat grey that looks smooth and even ? Like an old buffalo nickel ! Thanks

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Tarnish it? Lots of finger prints and wait 50 years.

There might be an acid, wipe down, but I never tried.

 

[acl864]

....wait 50 years.

Yup, Only way I know of to get natural patina on nickel is time. On certain collectibles (WWII era knives for example) cleaning the patina off of the nickel parts can cost lots of $$$. Collectors want the patina left intact and it's impossible to duplicate.

Sounds like you might be in the market for a matte finished stainless gun if you don't like the shiny nickel.

 

[2152hq]

A particle blast will do it,,,but it must be done with the correct material, size (mesh), and air pressure to avoid damage to the finish. It will result in more of a new matte-nickle look than a well used finish though.

A carding wheel or brushes used in rust blueing will also do it as it is only .005" dia wire or less and used a low speed. Slow it way down, less speed than used in rust blue carding.
No heavy handed pressure allowed! Light pressure and varying angles gives the same overall scratch pattern as constant use and handling.

The jewelry trade calls them 'scratch brushes' for that very reason. They are sold in many different shapes and sizes to put a finish of that sort on pieces either in a random or a defined pattern.

 

[Nathan Forrest]

Ouch, Sell it to someone who is looking for the bright finish and use the money to buy a beater.

 

[m1gunner]

Nickel Aging Solution 8 oz Bottle

Google "patination solution nickle "

You will get many leads. Chemical patination is widely used in antique restoration and reproductions.