On a discussion group for pen turners someone mentioned using clear powder coat finish for his metal parts. Seems that the powder coat process leaves a smooth glossy and really tough finish.  Has anyone tried using it for ferrules and/or reel seat parts? I checked with Harbor Freight and they have a powder coat system available for $69. Might be a good way to get a hard finish on metal parts. (Jason Swan)

I use a powder coating system here in my shop, to coat gun parts. I don't think the ferrules could take the backing temp. of 400 degrees. The solder would melt. Although, I don't see why you couldn't use it for reel seats. Unless that temp. would cause any problem with the Nickel Silver?

Check with Caswell.com They also carry the systems and many different colors of coating. (Dave LeClair)

I dunno. Seems like Abel has gone down that road. Though, that is anodizing. How about a nice metallic flake finish, like on custom motorcycles??? Sort of a prismatic effect? Oh, yeah. You may be on to something, there! (Timothy Troester)

You should try "Case Coloring" like they do on expensive firearms. I did a set of hardware a few years ago and it turned out nice. You use an acetylene torch with a fine tip and a liquid called Tincture of Benzoin. (Dave LeClair)

Since I had a couple of guys asking about how to do case coloring on reel seat hardware, I figured I may as well put it on the list.

First, you will need an acetylene torch with a very small tip and you will also need a bottle of Tincture of Benzoin. This is something you will have to get from your local drug store. They will most likely have to order it for you. It is use for cuts I think, sort of like iodine.

This is how the procedure is done. Using the torch, heat the part until it is very warm, don't get it too hot. Using a piece of paper towel, wet the paper towel with the Tincture of Benzoin and begin to wipe this onto the hot part. Then, very carefully, bring the tip of the torch right down to the piece and "play" with the flame on the piece. You will get some nice colors on the metal. Don't dally too long and make the part so hot, that it turns real dark. It will turn so dark, you will loose your colors. It takes a little bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can make some nice looking hardware.

After you have the colors you want, then wet the paper towel again and wipe the part with it. This will give you a very hard, clear coating on the piece.

Try it and I think you will like the results. I have been using this procedure on firearms for the past thirty years with good results. (Dave LeClair)