Rust blue

[duginsky]

Can anyone weigh in on experiences with rust bluing? I am looking at the Mark Lee Express Blue #1, but wondering what others have used, which process or product(s) with this, as well as results.

Read More

 

[weezil_boi]

I have never had good results with rust blueing. But Ive used Brownell's Dicropan and got very nice deep blue/ royal purple hues. Not so great for a more modern firearm finish, but on an older shotgun or rifle... looks really pro. Its easy...

Boil the gun, apply the Dicropan with a cotton swab, let it rust, then use a carding briush and maybe some wool. Reapeat to desired color. (this is very abbreviated process of course). Im no smith and it came out nice, so Im sure you could do it as well.

I hope its OK that I cross post a link ( dont mean to break any forum rules), but try reading this for some info...

rust blueing vs. Dicropan IM - TheFiringLine Forums

 

[MountainBear]

I've done some really nice jobs with rust blue. But it is a long, very involved process. Either using a rust bluing cabinet or using a boiling water tank, butane torch, and carding wheel on a baldor arbor. Either way takes a good long while. The last professional rust blue job I did took almost five hours (it was the quick way) and 13 coats of the rust blue chemical...

 

[duginsky]

Thanks, folks; this helps.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Brownells sell a product called Belgian blue, it's a form of hot water rust blue.

I did this barrel and cylinder in about one hour.

before


after

 

[duginsky]

Brownells sell a product called Belgian blue, it's a form of hot water rust blue.

I did this barrel and cylinder in about one hour.

That looks fantastic! How did you do the prep?

Thanks

 

[Velzey]

I second the Belgian blue, It's amazing stuff! And real easy to use.

Just search for it via brownells website, And you can also see the instuction sheet,

 

[madcratebuilder]

That looks fantastic! How did you do the prep?

Thanks

I stripped the old bluing with Naval Jelly then finished with worn 600 grit paper. I've read that to fine of finish does not take the bluing as well. This is something I'm going to play around with. The next re-blue I do well get a 1000 grit finish.

 

[duginsky]

How did you address the cylinder chambers and internal corners?

thanks!

 

[Bon Sauvage]

Looks good madcratebuilder. Is it a reasonably durable finish?

 

[madcratebuilder]

How did you address the cylinder chambers and internal corners?

I super glue strips of sand paper to small pieces of shaped wood.

Is it a reasonably durable finish?

It's as durable as any Ruger revolver I own. It's not a high gloss like a S&W. I'm not having any wear issues yet, but like any blue it well rub off at the high spots.