I have a couple of used and abused looking mil-surp handguns. And i am interested in refinishing them. i have read about the good old fashion time consuming slow blueing. But i was wondering if any of you have any expirience, or know some web sites that provide some good info. THanks.
Slow rust bluing gives a very nice blue if done properly, but will take alot of time, but time well spent for sure. Do all the polishing by hand to further the job. Do a search and pick one that you like the best.
I've rust blued countless firearms using Pilkington rust blue from Brownells. It works very well. You must hand polish to around 320 grit or you can glass bead using very fine beads. Do not buff the metal on a wheel. They recommend de-ionized water.....ie...distilled but when I couldn't find it in quanity I've used bottled spring water with no troubles. I blow them dry as I take them from the water then "card" them off with 0000 steel wool. You keep giving it coats till it looks right and done, then I give it one more. That's between 5 to 7 for me. There is nothing like it when it's done and nothing wears like it either. It never looks bad as it wears...just distinguished.
Here in Australia we have a limited suply of products so when I have to finish an old firearm I usually use Birchwood Casey's plum brown. Most old firearms were actually browned and not blued using an old English method of slow rust where the arm treated was scrubbed down each day and treated again until it reached the required texture. I have found that the Birchwood Casey stuff works well. Just follow the instructions. Cheers, Jacko.
slow rust blueing
Posted - 05/12/2005 : 7:46:26 PM
