How to Re-Blue A Gun?

Cold Bluing

Cold bluing is a process that gives firearms an attractive, deep and rich finish. It’s an excellent way to restore the appearance of old or neglected guns. The color is very close to black but lighter in shade. If you own an older gun with brown or gray spots on it, cold blue may be your solution! We’ll discuss how to cold bluing  a gun below. The steps for cold blue a gun are as follows:

Cleaning and Polishing

Apply some sort of lubricant (Alox) onto the metal surface being treated (this will help release any rust particles). Let sit for at least 24 hours.

Use the Bluing Solution

Paint over all surfaces with “cold” paint using brush, cloth or spray, let dry until no more fumes are given off from painting.

Fine Adjustment

Finish with gun oil. You may also want to use DuraCoat and/or jewelry quality polishing compound on your workpiece before applying the finish coat of cold bluing paint.

Hot Bluing

Hot bluing is a process that can be done to firearms and other objects, especially metal parts. The process includes immersion in boiling nitric acid followed by treatment with potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) or chromium salts. It oxidizes the surface of the metal, giving it a black finish. Hot bluing is typically used when rust has already begun to form on a part because unlike cold bluing, hot bluing does not require prior cleaning of the object before application.

● Obtain an aluminum container large enough for your object.

● Fill container about 3/4 full of water.

● Fill to about three quarters full with boiling water and submerge the object into the container.

● This will soften any corrosion on a piece before proceeding onto other steps, so allow it to stay submerged for an hour or two.

● A form of salt can be added at this time to help dissolve rust and some metals from attaching themselves back to your metal later in the process.

● If using chrome colorant, add it now as well. Allow overnight soak time if not used earlier (Do not use bleach).

● For firearms: clean off all pieces that are being blued separately (barrels, forearms, receivers) Leave for some hours.

Rust Bluing

Rust bluing is a process that was originally developed to give guns, swords and other metal objects a protective finish. The process involves the use of potassium dichromate, water, vinegar or lemon juice as an oxidizing agent, oil for lubrication and ammonia nitrate for hardening.

● Spray the metal with a rust remover. Once you have sprayed it, let it sit for about five minutes and then scrub off any remaining residue or oil on the surface of the object using steel wool. Rinse well with water after doing this to remove all traces of acid from your gun.

● Apply a phosphate-based solution that is diluted in three parts water into patches over the rusted areas on your item, letting them dry before applying more layers until they become covered fully by white corrosion product deposits. Leave overnight so that these depositions can harden further. 

● Wash away all of the scrubbed corrosive products and vinegar residues left behind onto an aluminum plate with soap and hot water. A toothbrush helps scrub off any corrosive that has gotten into the hard to reach spots.

● Remove all of the protective scaling that is left over from the vinegar and scrubbing by washing away any remaining residues on an aluminum plate. This will ensure that your item now has a smooth surface for when it’s time to paint over it. Rinse, then wipe off excess moisture using paper towels or cloths before moving onto Step Five.

● Apply gun bluing compound into patches over this area using cotton swabs so as not to apply too much at once (don’t want it running). Make sure these become thoroughly coated in the substance, if you applied too little, add more until they are completely covered in and leave it.

Niter Bluing

Niter bluing is a process of applying an electrochemical conversion coating to metal parts. The process improves the wear and corrosion resistance of steel, as well as increasing its decorative appeal. This article will show you how to niter blue a gun in order to make it look better than ever before!

● First, you will need to purchase a nitric acid solution. You can buy some from your local hardware store or online at places like Amazon and Ebay. The concentration of the acid is determined by what type of metal you are niter bluing – for example, copper requires more concentrated solutions than steel does. Be aware that different strengths may have very dangerous side effects; wearing gloves and goggles when dealing with chemicals is highly recommended!

● Next, prepare your workstation so that it has two containers in which to dump the spent acids once they’re complete (one on each end), tape them down securely to avoid spills or splashes during use, then add cold water until the container is half full.

● Next, pour the nitric acid into one of the cups, and add a small amount of food coloring (such as red or blue) to tell which is which. This will also indicate when it’s time for you to switch between them.

● Next, fill up your other container with cold water until it reaches halfway. Stirring may be necessary if there are any clumps in order to dissolve all the grains before use.

● Take some steel wool that has been cut into smaller pieces and submerge them fully in your toner solution while wearing gloves so they don’t cause burns on contact. You should notice bubbles forming immediately from this movement; these bubbles mean that the chemical reactionhas begun! Now stir gently for about ten minutes – be sure to not touch the steel wool or any part of this solution while it’s being stirred.

● After ten minutes, take your gloves off and wear a pair you don’t care about getting dirty. Take some tongs to carefully remove the steel wool from the liquid while still wearing these fresh gloves; then set it aside for later.

● Now pour in more cold water into your original container until there is enough room for all three cups – 50% nitric acid, 25% cold water, and 25% blue dye. Stir with a long object like an old broomstick handle so that each layer mixes together as much as possible before submerging another piece of steel wool in one of the cups and stirring again.