Refinishing a Zippo lighter

[b money]

I just picked up a $10 plain Jain Zippo at Walmart the other day and of course I can't just leave it like that. So my original idea was to go in a vintage WWII direction by Parkerizing both the insert and the outside case(inside because I want it black/matte) and then after park, duracoat the outside case OD green. Now my problems started when I found out that zippo inserts are made of stainless, and the case is made out of a nickel/chrome plated brass neither of which can be parkerized. So my question is what can I do to finish the SS insert in something black that is comparable to pakerizing that wont wear off easy. And also I'm going to duracoat/durabake the outside anyways but I still feel a base coating like Parkerizing would be better that way if the OD duracoat starts fading it wont go back to a shiny nickel finish and still keep that vintage build for a purpose feel. Any ideas?

Mods if this is not the right forum feel free to move, I just thought because I'm refinishing it using gun coatings this would be the best spot.

 

[Giterboosted]

Flat black Durabake the insert, worked out fine for me, just don't go too thick or you have a hard time gettin it back in

 

[Jim K]

I wondered about the connection with guns, then I realized that it is a Zippo Gun.

Jim

 

[b money]

Haha not quite, just a plain old wind proof lighter, and there isn't much connection with guns other than the fact that millions of GI's used them, and I plan to use gun coatings on it. Giter- if dura coat held up I guess I'll just use that then. Thanks

 

[Ron James]

Then why not buy a Zippo reproduction vintage lighter. The make several versions for different eras , and yes there is quite a difference in the old ones and the new. If your are going to do it, heck, do it right

 

[b money]

I didnt know zippo made repo's of there older style lighters. I will defiantly look into that.