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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Step by step info on Blueing process

2006

Dear sir/mam,
could you please provide step by step information on blueing process. as I am a gun collector and like restoring quality arms, I am planning on setting up an home built blueing plant for coating my guns. it would be grateful if you could provide information on what kind of equipment is required.

I have a passion for collecting and restoring quality firearms. I have inherited an collectible quality rifle which has been in my family for 3 generations and have sentiments attached to it.I want to blue the barrel and action since the original surface coating has gone and it has started pitting. I tried to search for the chemicals used in the bath of blueing process but could not find them. after noticing the finish of an blackodised bolt it was quiet similar to that of an blued product, are they both the same. and where could I find the chemical ratios used in the bath solution and what temperature I ideal for uniform thick coating. Thank you

Pretendra Jachak
design engineer - Pune, Maharashtra, India

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2006

Hello Pretendra. We want to help you, not frustrate you, but . . .

If you asked how to bake moister cakes, someone might say "add two eggs". Baking is such common knowledge that you would understand from this instruction that you are supposed to carefully crack open the eggs, discard the shells, and mix well -- not press two whole eggs into the batter as you place the cake into the oven :-)

The problem in offering the "step by step" instruction you ask for is that there is no "common knowledge" that we can assume that a reader already thoroughly understands; does he will know all the details of safe chemical handling and the dangers of the chemicals involved and the required waste treatment and regulatory protocols? Does he already know exactly how to add water to a 290 degree caustic solution to make up the evaporation loss without the make-up water flashing into steam and drenching him with scalding lye (even professionals have died from this). When we say step 1 is to clean the parts, exactly what would he do? Step 2 is to pickle them. Step 3 is to black oxide them. Step 4 is to oil or wax them.

We have an FAQ on Black Oxide and Cold Blackening to help you understand the difference between wipe-on products and high temperature processes. Then please try to get a specialty book on the subject like Angier's Firearm Blueing and Browning [on eBay , Amazon, AbeBooks affil links] from your library, or a good general purpose finishing handbook with a chapter on black oxiding, like the Metal Finishing Guidebook, and come back with specific questions after you are generally familiar with the art. Thanks and Good Luck!

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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2006

One other thing to consider is an amateurish restoration could ruin what is obviously a sentimental piece of your heritage.

In general, firearms benefit from a LIGHT coating of clear machine oil. (not engine oil or vegetable oil). This coating will help prevent future corrosion.

While it is always tempting to clean, polish, refurbish too as new older pieces, it is usually better to let them age gracefully.

Anything which removes the original finishes other than rust is usually discouraged.

Mike Powers
- Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Sirs I recently talked to a fellow that told me that you can take motor oil and a plumbers torch to heat it is a good way to blue a gun. Is this true or is he blowing smoke. Thanks Bob

Robert Von Bokern
- Owenton, Kentucky
January 11, 2009

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March 22, 2010

Hi, Robert. I have seen engine parts covered with burnt on oil sludge, so I think he is right in principle. However, even if you could learn how to do it, it's hard to picture it being an aesthetic finish for a treasured heirloom :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey