Help needed for cannon ball preservation

[Salty]

Hello everyone! I have been lucky enough to find two identical cannon balls from a colonial site that was adjacent to a revolutionary skirmish. I have used vinegar after knocking off the bigger chunks of rust. Can someone please tell me the thing to use to preserve my cannon balls? I dont want to paint them shiny black. I would like them to have an original black appearance, not layers of paint. Is there a specific product that would help?
The cannonballs are solid shot, 3 1/4 inches across, with an 11 inch complete diameter. They weigh 4lbs 12 ounces. If someone could ID them for sure. Thanks everyone!

 

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[Gold_FInger]

Hello everyone! I have been lucky enough to find two identical cannon balls from a colonial site that was adjacent to a revolutionary skirmish. I have used vinegar after knocking off the bigger chunks of rust. Can someone please tell me the thing to use to preserve my cannon balls? I dont want to paint them shiny black. I would like them to have an original black appearance, not layers of paint. Is there a specific product that would help?
The cannonballs are solid shot, 3 1/4 inches across, with an 11 inch complete diameter. They weigh 4lbs 12 ounces. If someone could ID them for sure. Thanks everyone!View attachment 2039193

Aqua Chigger (Not sure of the spelling) has a video (Youtube) on cannonballs...

 

[Salty]

I will have to find that answer see what the Chig has to say, lol!

 

[Gold_FInger]

I will have to find that answer see what the Chig has to say, lol!

This is the one I was referring to..Seems he has a ton of em..No pun intended...

 

[Salty]

Yeah, I watched the vid.mI have no safe way of doing hot wax. So I guess I will try another product by Rustoleum that stops the rust. I will say my vinegar bath worked wonders!

 

[crashbandicoot]

Just for future reference the terms are 3 1/4" diameter and 11" circumference.It,s important when trying to ID a cannonball.No dis meant,thought you might want to know!

 

[pepperj]

Post up in the what is it forum.
Cannonballguy hangs out there alot.
He will guide you to the correct ordinance classification.
There are other waxes as beeswax/linseed oil mixes also.

 

[Salty]

Thanks Pepperj, I will give that a try!

 

[Irregular]

Thanks Pepperj, I will give that a try!

Cannonballguy directed me in this fashion about six years ago and I was very pleased with the result. Perhaps his advice has changed with time.

On smaller iron artifacts I use Briwax.

 

[Blak bart]

I use an old crock pot to melt paraffin wax....the properly cleaned cannon ball is placed in the hot wax until all bubbles stop. After that remove and let cool/dry. Working on several now. Heres one I just finished for a friend !!

 

[Salty]

That looks great! Thanks!

 

[Mr. B]

Aqua Chigger (Not sure of the spelling) has a video (Youtube) on cannonballs...

AquaChigger is the most informative

 

[Gare]

I spray mine with a clear Polyurethane spray

 

[Batea]

AquaChigger is the most informative

I cleaned mine with WD-40. Wiped the loose rust off and rubbed Wood stove black polish on it. The polish appears to be a graphite material.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

I use Rustoleum rust reformer (brush on type). I found a Rev War era stirrup a few years ago and got most of the rust off with electrolysis. Dried it with a hair dryer and then brushed on the rust reformer. Goes on white, but turns black when it dries. Works great, but I do touch up my stirrup every couple of years if I see any rust spots returning.