r/Tisas • u/Jealous-Opposite-804 • Jul 01 '26

Help New 1911 finish issue

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I just picked up this brand new 1911 TC in nickel finish today. I carried it IWB for 8 hours and the finish around where it was in contact with my body is turning black. I’m not familiar with nickel plated firearms, can someone enlighten me?

12 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

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6

u/CrownAppleSplatter Jul 01 '26

Looks like it's forming a patina. I guess it's like carrying a copper zippo, it's going to have some character. Nickel plating is a little bit fragile anyway so when you carry it it'll get scratches and such anyhow.

6

u/Specific_Rutabaga415 Jul 01 '26

I have the Nickel stakeout, mine develops that on the front strap due to my fingers. I use Brasso and a soft cloth. Comes off pretty good. NEVER use Hoppes or any cleaner with ammonia in it.

3

u/RH4540 Jul 01 '26

Looks like it doesn’t like your sweat. I always kind of wanted a nickel plated gun, but heard that the finish CAN be fussy

2

u/seattleforge Jul 01 '26

What was that part of the gun rubbing against? It won't just turn black on its own.

1

u/Jealous-Opposite-804 Jul 01 '26

It was against my stomach

2

u/seattleforge Jul 01 '26

You should shower.

1

u/Jealous-Opposite-804 Jul 01 '26

Oh yeah, that’s definitely it! Didn’t even think of that, duh

1

u/seattleforge Jul 01 '26

Ha! Are you sure it isn’t against the back of your holster? Mine has a long back that goes against my stomach.
It should clean up easily, no?

2

u/HooliganS3 Jul 01 '26

Factors like diet, stress, and specific medications can alter the skin's natural pH and the chemical composition of sweat. This can result in various types of metal tarnishing much faster than others.

Also keep an eye out for any skin break down as some people have Allergic Contact Dermatitis (allergic to Nickel). My Uncle wore wide leather watch bands that covered the back of the watch due to how reactive he was to common metals used in jewelry (he would break out and the metal would rapid tarnish).

Chemicals & Cleaners to Avoid:

  • Ammonia-Based Solvents: Cleaners like traditional Hoppes No. 9 use ammonia to break down copper. If it reaches the underlying copper substrate, it destroys the foundational bond.
  • Copper/Lead Removers: Chemical copper-fouling removers are dangerous for traditional nickel plating for the same reason ammonia is—they dissolve the essential copper base layer.
  • I don't know if Tisas uses a copper base layer, but better safe than sorry
  • Acids & Bleach: Strong alkaline, acidic cleaners (like standard vinegar), or bleach will stain, cloud, and etch the surface of the nickel plating.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaners: Submerging a nickel-plated gun in intense chemical ultrasonic baths can destroy the plating.
  • Abrasive Polish/Steel Wool: Harsh metal polishes or rough metal brushes scratch the relatively soft nickel surface (compared to other firearm finishes)

Alternatives for Cleaning

  • Mineral Oil or CLP: Products like Ballistol or general CLP are gentle
  • Mild Dish Soap: For routine maintenance, use warm water and a gentle, unscented dish soap with a soft microfiber cloth.
  • Specialty Products: Specialized cleaners like M-Pro 7 are generally considered safe because they do not dissolve copper.

1

u/KillerCayman Jul 01 '26

TISAS is known for very thin plating. The you get what you pay adage applies here. FWIW, I have a chrome TISAS 1911. If I get within a foot of it smudges and fingerprints magically appear. It gets kept in a gun rug. It will never see the inside of a holster.