[Rooster59]

I've never used a bluing to repair small scratches, etc. and would like to get some input from others who have used the cold bluing options.

I have reshaped or modified a few sights and have a small scratch on the barrel of my 1895CB that I would like to repair. Actually the scratch is really where the bluing was rubbed off from wear of a ladder sight.

What bluing should I get and what kind of experience can you offer in surface prep, etc.?

 

[greyhawk50]

I've tried different cold blue products.
This is, IMO, the best that you can find.
http://www.vansgunblue.com/
I bought a 3 bottle kit at a gun show and was very impressed. De-greaser, Blue & Oil.
Just follow the instruction. Especially the part about NOT using a Q-Tip. Cotton contains Lanolin that will really mess up the process. I used an old tooth brush.
I hope this helps.
Grey

 

[Rooster59]

Thanks greyhawk. I'll check it out.

 

[Hyphenated]

Thanks for the tip Greyhawk.

 

[Rooster59]

Greyhawk that stuff sounds amazing. I'll have to order a small bottle for my touchups. Now I won't be afraid to file the sights on my wife's single action 22lr with SAA style fixed sights.

 

[duster066]

I've used cold bluing for touch ups. The receiver on my win94 has most of the bluing worn off from years of handling, and it rusts there very easily. I cleaned it up with scotch bright and used cold blue. It beautifies the gun a bit, and helps control rusting, but it doesn't last very long. I touch up wear and scratches using it too. I haven't found it very durable or what I'm after. I'm doing my first project gun right now, and I'm going to tool up to hot blue.

 

[lever addict]

I'll give another vote for the Van's gun blue. I redid an old 1897 Wichester shotty and it turned out beautiful. I heated my parts with a hairdryer first which gave a deep blue color!

 

[axxe55]

leveraddict, those parts came out looking good. where are you getting the Vans blueing from? i have used the Birchwood Casey products with mixed results, some things look great, some things look like crap. but i would really like to try out the Vans.

 

[duster066]

How durable is it? Can it take a workout for a whole season? Birchwood Casey is the stuff I use and it can't in this rain.

 

[Rooster59]

Van's will sell direct. See the link further up in the thread. I need to order some today.

 

[Shooter]

That looks clean.

How difficult was it?

 

[axxe55]

Van's will sell direct. See the link further up in the thread. I need to order some today.

thanks rooster, i will check them out.

 

[Kentucky_Transplant]

I have used the 2 types of cold bluing. The Birchwood Casey and Perma-Blue. I have not yet tried the Vans but may at some point when my current supplies run out. I will say that I liked the perma-blue better. I used it on a early 1900's Cannon Breech Shotgun. I will say that multiple coats will darken the finish (which I liked). I am very pleased with this one more so than the first but the first wasn't too bad considering it was the first time I tried it!
Just my 2cents!

Kelly

 

[Rooster59]

Well my order from Van's should arrive later this week. I'll try it out a little on a couple inconspicuous places this weekend.

 

[greyhawk50]

Van's Cold Blue

Here is a quick and dirty example of Van's Cold Blue. I just cleaned this with the Citrus De-greaser and applied a liberal amount of the Van's Bluer with a tooth brush.
Not too bad for a model 1907 that was mfg. in 1912.
Before and after.

 

[FOUR4D4]

I'll give another vote for the Van's gun blue. I redid an old 1897 Wichester shotty and it turned out beautiful. I heated my parts with a hairdryer first which gave a deep blue color!

Thank you, nice work

 

[UncleSarge58]

Best Cold Blue I've Ever use By Far is Brownell's Oxpho Blue.
Degreasing, Completely, First w/ Hot Water & Dishwashing Soap, followed by a Wipe down w/ Acetone, Is the Key to a Good Cold Blue.
Also Helps to Heat the Part before Application.
For Application, Use a Freshly Washed piece of White T-Shirt or Cotton Cloth.
Wear Rubber Gloves when Handling the Parts to be Blued.
Buff w/ 0000 Bronze Wool (Also available at Brownell's) Between 1st 3 Coats.
Wipe down w/ 3 in One Oil after Final Coat.
Allow to Set 5-10 min Between Coats. 3-5 Coats results in a Deep Blue Black finish that Lasts Years.
UncleSarge58

 

[mm93]

Ditto on Brownell's Oxpho Blue! I've used it for touch ups, and complete bluing jobs over the years. Bought a gallon a decade ago, and it sits under my work bench. Use it often, and always with good results if I do the prep properly.