Topic: Gun Bluing to reproduce original finishes

[J_Speegle]

Thought I would start a thread (have an article to post later showing the steps and process) on how some of use have used the commercially available, do it at home gun bluing repair fluid or paste.


I know others at time, including me, have experienced the metal flashing a dirty brown maybe 12-23 hours after application. Anyone have a idea of why this is happening?

Is it that we are waiting too long to oil the finish?

Are we trapping in the liquid?

Does flushing or heating the part reduce the possibility?

Just thought this might help others

[CharlesTurner]

The solution I use has a foam applicator.  Instructions specify to rinse with water and reapply if necessary.  It sounds like you weren't rinsing.

[JKWilson]

The solution I use has a foam applicator.  Instructions specify to rinse with water and reapply if necessary.  It sounds like you weren't rinsing.

+1 on the rinsing. I looked up the MSDS's for Birchwood Casey Perma Blue paste and liquid. They contain selenious acid as one of the primary chemicals. The chemical reaction from this is what turns the metal brown. I would say that thorough rinsing halts the reaction process.

[Bob Gaines]

After the rinsing process I found that if I pat the item dry with a towel and get the majority of the moisture off before blowing it dry with a air gun it doesn't have tendency to brown. If I blow it dry after coming direct from the rinse it almost always gives the slight brown look. Just some of my experiences. Bob

[Skyway65]

I had the browning problem too.  After redoing the springs, again, I found that the rinsing makes all the difference in the world.  I suppose I should have the read the directions first!!

[5F09CNot4Sale]

I had the browning problem on the last batch I did. I am useing the paste. I got a phone call, saw a bright shiney object and forgot to go back. They were brown the next day. I washed, reapplied, and washed and they were nice and dark blue/black.