What is used for gun bluing?

Bluing may be applied by immersing steel parts in a solution of potassium nitrate, sodium hydroxide, and water heated to the boiling point, 275–310 °F (135–154 °C) depending on the recipe. Similarly, stainless steel parts may be immersed in a mixture of nitrates and chromates, similarly heated.

How many types of gun bluing are there?

There are four basic types of gun bluing.

Should I Reblue an old gun?

The short answer is no. If it’s your intent to maintain a firearm’s collectibility and value, the answer is usually “no”; don’t re-blue your gun. Firearms with an original finish, even if they have visible wear and discoloration are generally more valuable than those that have been refinished (re-blued or parkerized).

What is the best bluing method?

Traditionally, bluing was performed using a hot salt method, and currently, cold bluing and hot bluing are performed, both with varying results. Hot bluing s considered to be the best method only by the addition of heat, which helps set the bluing solution into place faster than with a cold bluing method.

What is a Parkerized finish?

Parkerizing is a method of protecting a steel surface from corrosion and increasing its resistance to wear through the application of a chemical phosphate conversion coating.

What is the difference between Perma blue and Super blue?

The “Super Blue” has more of the selenium. Which is why on their website, Birchwood Casey advertises the Super Blue as, “For blueing highly polished steel parts and hardened steels containing nickel and chrome alloys” where the Perma-blue seems to be promoted more for “touch up” and regular firearm bluing.

Does bluing prevent rust?

Does bluing prevent rust? Cold bluing is a controlled oxidation of ferrous metals similar to rust. Whether cold or hot blued, these metals should be treated with a wax, lacquer or water displacing oil to reduce exposure to corrosion causing moisture.

Does cleaning an old gun devalue it?

As the seller of the antique firearm, be sure that the cleaning methods you employ are extremely minimal— just enough to keep dust off of the antique. Risking damage to the piece by trying and failing to restore it will only ruin it and its value.

Does vinegar remove bluing?

Pour enough white vinegar to completely cover all of your gun parts. The parts will begin to turn orange after approximately 15 minutes. Don’t worry, the rust appearing is only from oxidation of the metals in the bluing. Remove the parts from the vinegar every 20 to 25 minutes and wipe down the oxidation.

Which is better hot or cold bluing?

I’ve read (and keep reading) that hot bluing is far more durable than cold bluing. It appears to me that most hot bluing treatments create a thicker rust layer than what most people achieve with cold bluing and a cotton ball.

What is the difference between Perma Blue and Super Blue?