
For cold bluing, there are a few steps that you need to follow:
- Remove the old bluing, if required
- Polish the gun metal properly.
- Clean a gun metal and then heat the metal gently.
- Apply effectively the bluing solution.
- Apply the solution several more times until you have the level of bluing you desire.
- Season the finish with gun oil once you have the level of bluing you expect.
How to Reblue a gun at home?
How to re-blue a Gun?
- Step #4 Boiling. Soak the gun parts in boiling water. It stops the rusting by removing the acid solution.
- Step #5 Scrubbing. Scrub off the red oxide rust that has formed, leaving the black oxide finish underneath. Remove the rusted section with a ball of steel wool.
- Step #6 Apply Oil. Apply the oil on gun treated gun parts. ...
How much does it cost to Reblue a gun.?
Once complete it will be very difficult to tell that it's been reblued. Anyway you cut it, rebluing shouldn't cost more the $200.oo for the barrel and receiver, probably no more than $150.00. If I was still operational, likely no more than $125, for the barrel. Heating the tanks is expensive, and they don't stay hot 24/7. wllmkttrll Registered
How do you clean bluing on a rifle?
The clean up efforts were all carried out by volunteers both within and outside of the community. BLUE RIVER, Ore. - Reach Out Worldwide and Cascade Relief Team joined forces to clean up the area of Blue River that the Holiday Farm fire left devastated. The fire reached over 170,000 acres of land and destroyed nearly 400 homes.
How to remove rust from a gun without damaging bluing?
Top Ways on How to Remove Rust from A Gun Without Damaging Bluing
- Using WD-40 Process. WD-40 is a common product used for ages to help get rid of rust and eliminate squeaks in most household appliances.
- Oil And 0000 Steel Wool. Oil and 0000 steel wool are other great ingredients that will help you remove rust from a gun without damaging the bluing.
- Baking Soda. ...
- A Battery Charger. ...
- Dremel Rotary Tool. ...

How to touch up a bluing gun?
If most of the original bluing is still in place, you may be able to touch up the bluing yourself with a cold bluing kit. If most of the original bluing has worn away, you may want to consider removing the rest of the old bluing and hot bluing the gun metal.
What to use to remove bluing from a gun?
You can use one of the following chemicals to do so: A phosphoric acid-based automotive rust remover, such as Naval Jelly. White vinegar, which contains acetic acid.
How to dip a gun barrel in bluing solution?
When dipping gun barrels in bluing solution, dip them at an angle to allow any air bubbles that may form to escape. Be sure to immerse the barrel completely. Swirl the metal basket containing smaller gun parts around in the solution to ensure the parts are completely coated with the bluing solution.
What temperature should bluing solution be heated to?
The hot bluing solution, known as “Traditional Caustic Black.” , must be heated to a temperature of from 275 to 311 degrees F (135 to 155 degrees C). Before heating the bluing solution, stir it thoroughly to break up any salt clumps that may occur on the surface or at the bottom of the tank holding the solution.
How long to leave a gun in bluing solution?
Leave the gun parts in the bluing solution from 15 to 30 minutes. Check to see when the metal has reached the desired shade of bluing and remove it from the solution at that time. If your gun has stainless steel parts, those parts are immersed in a different chemical solution, a mixture of nitrates and chromates.
How to get a better finish on a gun?
Although this process is called cold bluing, gently heating the gun metal before applying the bluing can help it absorb the bluing better and create a better finish. Heat the metal by leaving it out in the sun for several hours, with a heat gun or blow dryer, or in a conventional oven set to its lowest setting.
What is a bluing shell?
Bluing is a thin protective shell of black iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4) intended to provide nominal protection against rusting for gun metal. Over time, however, this shell can wear away and need to be renewed to restore the gun’s appearance. Depending on the gun’s age, monetary value, and sentimental value, you can either have ...
How is bluing done?
Instead, bluing is accomplished through a special mix of acids. Once applied, the parts are placed in a humid cabinet where the vapors can work their magic. Repeat exposures are required (sometimes over a period of a week or more). In between, dark velvet-like accumulations are “carded off” using fine steel wool.
What is hot blue?
Hot blue is a bluing process that is actually a form of controlled corrosion, produced through exposure to special “bluing salts.”. It works well on most carbon steel alloys, but not on stainless steel or aluminum.
What is a trigger guard for a Remington 870?
Bluing and Aluminum. Peruse a rack full of used guns and you’ll probably note a few with dinged trigger guards. For example, Remington’s hugely popular Model 870 pump shotgun employs a steel receiver but, like many other brands, its trigger guard is aluminum.
What is the effect of steel on hammers?
Controlled exposure of steel to heat can result in a variety of attractive finishes from straw-coloring to the spectacular rainbow effect produced through case hardening. Beyond its beauty, the latter also creates a very hard wear-resistant surface; the reason it’s often seen on hammers.
Can you remove light layer from a rifle?
A light layer can often be removed using WD-40 and judicious use of four-ought steel wool. Although this rifle was rescued before any pitting developed, several iffy spots required a more effective solution. The fix turned out to be lots of careful rubbing using nothing more than a penny!
Is gunsmithing drying up?
Nowadays, full-service gun shops are drying up. Skilled gunsmiths are harder to come by and some jobs – like stock refinishing and re-bluing – are labor intensive. Also, extremely durable alternative coatings have gained deserved popularity with the added advantage of color choices.
What is hot blue?
Hot blue is a bluing process that is actually a form of controlled corrosion, produced through exposure to special “bluing salts.” It works well on most carbon steel alloys, but not on stainless steel or aluminum. Once completed, the oxidized surface is more rust-resistant than bare-steel alone and, as noted above, with careful metal preparation, the outcome can be spectacular.
What is the effect of steel on hammers?
Controlled exposure of steel to heat can result in a variety of attractive finishes from straw-coloring to the spectacular rainbow effect produced through case hardening. Beyond its beauty, the latter also creates a very hard wear-resistant surface; the reason it’s often seen on hammers.
Is gunsmithing drying up?
Nowadays, full-service gun shops are drying up. Skilled gunsmiths are harder to come by and some jobs – like stock refinishing and re-bluing – are labor intensive. Also, extremely durable alternative coatings have gained deserved popularity with the added advantage of color choices.
What is bluing a gun?
Bluing is a process by which you can imply a layer of protection on any steel especially, to your gun. This will help you to run your gun for a longer time of period. Also, bluing will save your gun from rusting. By applying a chemical reaction, a layer of magnetite is formed on the steel and thereby this layer acts as a protection against rust.
How to remove gun bluing from finger?
This mixture works best as gun bluing remover. At first heat the finger up for 110-degree Celcius. Pour the vinegar in a glass bowl.
How long to boil a gun to blue?
In hot bluing, you have to use boil water to blue. You have to boil your gun in water for 20-25 minutes with a bluing solution. This will make a layer on the gun. And if you ask about the cold bluing, you need to apply the blue solution directly. That’s the difference between the hot and cold bluing.
What is the best way to remove rust from a gun?
By applying a chemical reaction, a layer of magnetite is formed on the steel and thereby this layer acts as a protection against rust. There are several techniques to apply blue on the gun but the common ones are hot bluing, cold bluing, and remove rust gun bluing. Cold bluing and hot bluing is popular processes of bluing.
How to blue a gun?
For that reason, people prefer to apply these two methods in their homes. In hot bluing, you have to use boil water to blue. You have to boil your gun in water for 20-25 minutes with a bluing solution.
How to disassemble a gun?
Disassemble your gun. At first, you have to separate all the parts of your gun. Obviously, before moving you have to remove the magazine from your gun. Examine the chamber properly. When you will be sure that the gun is unloaded, remove the recoil spring from your gun along with the barrel bushing.
Can you use acetone to clean a gun?
You will find in the market some cleaner blaster. You can use them to clean initially. Normally, this type of cleaner contains sodium triphosphate. Then you can use acetone to clean every part of your gun. Acetone will clear all types of dust, oil, and grease.
What is bluing in guns?
Bluing or black oxidizing is a process of treating steel to create a thin protective shell around it. It works by turning rust, into black iron oxide.
How to get blued parts to look smooth?
Gently spread the solution to the part to be blued as evenly as possible, applying a clean applicator. Use the solution in a single pass to cover small surfaces, or in parts no larger than 4 to 5 inches when covering large areas, then smooth it out using sandpaper. It’ll prevent the bluing from looking “messy.”
How long does caustic salt stay in bluing solution?
Allow the gun parts to stay in the bluing solution from 15 to 30 minutes.
What is blue black iron oxide?
It can be performed on gun barrels and other firearm components. There are several methods to blue gun barrels, such as hot bluing, cold bluing, rust bluing , niter bluing , charcoal bluing, and heat bluing. Gun refinishing is one of the most gratifying phases ...
What is hot bluing?
Hot Bluing. Hot gun bluing is the most common bluing technique offered by most firearm manufacturers. It’s a very durable finish applied on a variety of steels. The main benefit of the hot bluing method is gun protection from corrosion. This method extends the life of a gun and restores it.
How to remove rust from a gun?
Step #1 Disassembling and Polishing. Use steel wool to remove any scarring, loose rust, or pitting from the arm metal. Take the gun all the way apart. Anything you don’t apart will get salt molten in it, and it may be substantially more challenging to disassemble after bluing steel.
How to prevent rust on gun parts?
Apply the oil on gun treated gun parts. The oil prevents the formation of rust and protects the metal finish from sweat, body oil, wear, and dirt. Once you’ve spread the oil, leave the parts to stand overnight before assembling.
What is bluing in firearms?
When bluing was first invented, this was how firearms were blued. Basically, a chemical rusting agent is applied to the steel, time passes, and rust forms. The rust is “polished off”. The steel has changed color slightly in this process, and the process is repeated until the steel is the desired color.
What is bluing in chemistry?
Bluing is FeO3 or rust with an extra oxygen molecule. This conversion happens as part of the chemical reaction to the rusting agent in the boiling tank. I’m not a chemist by any means, so I’m sure there’s a lot more to it than that. But I think you can get the gist.
Can you use rust bluing on a gun?
Express Rust Bluing is a good way for a hobbyist to blue their firearms at home. It does not require a whole lot of equipment and isn’t very difficult to do. If you’re doing smaller parts, you can even use old pots or pans for tanks. One bottle of the solution will last you through a bunch of bluing sessions.
Is bluing a dangerous process?
When we refer to bluing, we typically think of the hot salt bluing that is usually done. This process requires a lot of equipment that takes up a lot of space, and the process itself can be somewhat hazardous. Obviously, this doesn’t easily lend itself to the hobbyist homebuilder or “kitchen table gunsmith”.
Can you plug a barrel when hot bluing?
Also, this may come as a surprise but you should NOT plug your barrel when doing any kind of hot bluing. The heat from boiling will cause the air trapped in the bore to blow out the plugs. Obviously, this is not agreeable with it submerged in a tank full of hot liquid! Common sense needs to apply here.
Is rust bluing faster than rust bluing?
Express Rust Bluing is faster than rust bluing because rather than allowing the chemical reaction to happen “naturally” the process is expedited by boiling the parts. So instead of having to wait for the parts to rust for a couple of days, you actually force them to form rust in a few minutes.

What Do You Need to Know About Blue?
- Consider how much of the old bluing has worn away. If most of the original bluing is still in place, you may be able to touch up the bluing yourself with a cold bluing kit. If most of the original bluing has worn away, you may want to consider removing the rest of the old bluing and hot bluing the gun metal.
- Consider the age of the gun. Vintage guns dating back to the 19th century were blued using e…
Why Do You Need to Remove Old Bluing?
What You Will Need?
Step-By-Step Process
- This is a pick question that why you need to remove the bluing? As you have to blue your gun again. The fact is when you use your gun for a long time there will be a lot of dirt. There will also rust in someplace. And if you apply blue on the old blue, that won’t get set properly on the dust and rust. And your target shouldn’t be only removing blue. Because the process is included both …
Final Words
- You will need some items through the whole process to remove gun bluing at home. Let’s see them- 1. Isopropyl alcohol 2. White vinegar 3. A depth glass dish 4. Clean towel 5. Steel wool 6. Foil sheet