Posted by Chuck(G) on July 31, 2001 at 19:59:48:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Helicon Restoration Stories posted by From Parts Unknown on July 31, 2001 at 17:08:42:
I dunno--it's somehow irreverent to lacquer an instrument that never started life that way. Sort of like turbocharging your Model A--cool, but unauthentic.
You can get a nice artificial patina by applying a solution of bismuth sulfide to the horn--stinks like heck when you're doing it, but the result looks really nice. I've gotten a similar, but darker patina using a solution of lye and sulfur-lime dormant oil spray. In either case, wear gloves and eye protection.