Just Done

Artist walnut medium is used with oil based paints to promote flow and as a replacement for solvent. Probably other uses too but in this application it minimizes or prevents shimmers. There is learning curve to using it and it sets up slowly but it works pretty well.

The nickel silver bluing is based on photo developer and I've hear it is the same process that Dickerson used. It gives a dark blue black and is not terribly toxic (like the Payne formula). It still needs to be over coated with a clear coat but it's easy to apply. Send me a pm and I send the formula. I'd also be happy to send you a sample of both of the bluing and walnut/varnish but I don't know if I can ship them through the mail.

The small square bottle in the photo is pine pitch and turpentine. It is super sticky and is used on tipping. With a tooth pick to rub a little on your fingers the rub on tipping thread. It helps the whole deal stick together until the rod is varnished. Then clean your fingers with rubbing alcohol. It's invisible under varnish and flex coat. But I don't know how it would react with other finishes. I think this was a tip from Joe Arguello, but I may be wrong.