Dulling 1/19 stainless snares

I lightly spray painted last year. Looked great at first but it didn’t adhere well over time. I guess the slick new cable wouldn’t hold it good. So now, I have shiny snares with splotchy paint on them. Would a diluted vinegar soak remove the paint remnants and dull at the same time? Going to try it on a few unless someone has a better way. Thanks.

Boil in baking soda to dull them.

Soak in vinegar overnight

Straight vinegar?

The problem you may have using vinegar is that your snares may now rust from the inside outward. You may want to now boil them in baking soda to neutralize the acidic action of the vinegar.

You can force a patina on stainless with coffee grounds and heat
Or if you want to darken them buy Insta Blake SS 370

Use black wax.

Your cable, your choice, but.... rustoleum camo spray paint is the only thing I put on ANY of my snares, and it holds up until I’ve made a catch to cut the cable.


I’m not sure why it’s not sticking, but it should. I would try either a little more spray paint or possibly a different type, because I’ve never had an issue with spray painted snares

Maybe I chose a bad day to paint with humidity.

Did you simmer the oil off of the cables prior to painting? If not that is likely why your paint didn’t take too well.

Do another light coat of spray paint on them and they will be fine. Don’t start boiling them or soaking in vinegar.

In this day and age, I'm surprised people still BOIL snares, since it will cause the cable to rust from the inside out.


Staining cable is by far a better choice !

Say whatever you will I'll still boil my snares in baking soda and water and get the results I like .
In my dry climate we don't have to worry about our snares rusting from the inside out .

Allen M. I have also had Great results Boiling snares in baking soda it dulls the cable plus the aluminum ferrules as well. I have a few 40 year old snares that are still usable. Like you say out west dry climate. I do like a light spray of camo paint on the lock/spring area. I Like Snares!!