Cleaning up the frame pins holding Marui pistols together

[emilianoksa]

When removing and reinstalling pins with a punch to replace parts or to fix things, the black frame pins tend to lose their finish and get shiny at both ends where they are visible. For me they ruin the appearance of the gun.

Can anyone suggest the best way to tart them up a bit at each end ie. blacken them, or better still make them go a dull grey. I have been considering the following:

Giving them a coat of paint or ink from a permanent Sharpie.

Dipping them in white vinegar and water to give them a black oxide coating. Some of my pins are stainless and some not. This should be OK with the non stainless, but I have heard that, given long enough, even the stainless ones will turn a dull grey if left long enough.

I would appreciate any advice you could give me.

 

[Guest]

I use Birchwood Casey metal colouring products myself, some are a bit toxic but all give excellent results 

 

[emilianoksa]

Thanks.

Are they toxic only when wet, harmless when dry?

 

[Guest]

Thanks.

Are they toxic only when wet, harmless when dry?

Yes, wear disposable gloves, wash your hands, you’ll be fine

 

[JimFromHorsham]

Get yourself or make yourself some nylon parallel / drift punches .