Touch Up Blueing

[ryan3465]

Hello all

I am considering doing some light bluing on a project pistol I have. I have little experience with metal finishing and I am curious as to what steps I would need to take to have a decent looking finish with the available cold blue products. I know I will not get something with a like new shiny factory blue, but I would love to be able to at least get an even, matte-like finish. What products give the best results in your opinions?

Thank you everyone!

 

[repawn]

Not an expert but prep work is important. Probably want to sand the metal to at least 600 grit. Degrease with something like mineral spirits or acetone then use Belgian Blue. You can matte the finish by going over it with 0000 steel wool. You will want to put on multiple coats with light steel wool between each.

 

[JRH6856]

As respawn says, prep is important. I've had really good results with Oxpho-Blue from Brownells. And you will get a deeper finish if you heat the metal with a heat gun or a strong hair dryer before applying the blue.

 

[Jim K]

Belgian Blue, aka rust blue, requires patience and preparation but will give a good and durable finish. It was used on many guns (e.g., Mausers and Lugers) before the mid-1930's. If using it, follow directions carefully.

Cold blue, on the other hand, is not at all durable, even with extensive preparation. I know some people will swear that it looks exactly like the best factory blue and lasts at least forever, but both claims tend to be the result of pride rather than experience. It will be durable only until the gun is oiled or given much handling, when it will rub off.

Jim

 

[rcmodel]

Brownell's Oxpho-Blue is the only cold blue that will last a month longer then it takes to put it on.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...luing-chemicals/oxpho-blue-reg--prod1072.aspx

But it only last two months longer.

Sanding + Rust bluing, or Belgian Blue is not at all what you ask about!

Rust bluing is far superior to any cold blue product.
But it is not cold blue you can slap on and get a short-lived nice finish.

rc

 

[mike.]

I had to do some on a pistol.Afterwords i used Birchwood Casey.Fairly easy.Same thing get it to bear metal apply wait 30 sec wash off with water and buff with 0000 steel wool.Repeat if you want it darker.Coat with rust protection/let sit for 24

 

[JRH6856]

No, cold blue doesn't last long...but it is easy enough to reapply when it rubs off.

And Oxpho-Blue on hot metal will often last 3-4 months longer instead of just 2.

 

[rcmodel]

but it is easy enough to reapply when it rubs off.

Unless you have to take the forearm wood, mag tube, and stock off a 06 Winchester pump every two months to do it again.

Pretty soon, with that much wear on pins & screws?
Parts start looking bad & falling off when you don't want them too.

rc

 

[JRH6856]

Unless you have to take the forearm wood, mag tube, and stock off a 06 Winchester pump

Yes, but that is a bit different from the "light" bluing on a project pistol asked about in the OP.

 

[drjohn]

Part of Black Powder cleaning

I agree, cold bluing (I use B.C) is short lived but I use it to spot blue the heavy wear spots on some of my guns but mainly on my black powder guns. On my B.P.s after cleaning I prep with steel wool or a green scrubby pad and degrees with rubbing alcohol then apply bluing with a bore pad or Q-tip. It wares off even faster on them but I just figure it in as part of the cleaning and dress them up a bit every other time or so.

“Those who beat their swords into plow shears end up plowing for someone else“ (Ben Franklin). “Fear the government that fears your guns“.