Dulling Polished Metal

[M. Demetrius]

If you decide to go the Scotch-brite method, the half-sized electric sander holds a pad just right. Saves a bazillion strokes of the elbow.

[Wes]

A raw potato cut and rubbed on can dull steel or add "Patina" and I can attest to Primvs Pavlus' use of mustard, I have used it as well, with nice results.

[Decimus Aurelius Varus]

I did the wet sandpaper, and that turned out ok. I might just try the mustard next.

[Paullus Scipio]

Are we sure arms/armour should not be bright? There are several references in ancient sources to 'bright' armour etc, including at least one ( can't recall where off-hand) to armour polished so bright, you could see your reflection in it......i.e. 'mirror' bright