How to Use Gun Bluing

Vintage ivory-handled Colt .38 after bluing.

Gun bluing is a chemical oxidation process used on the steel parts of firearms to improve rust resistance and the appearance of the weapon, and to reduce scratching and glare off the metal. Bluing is not a stain. It is a chemical reaction that causes the coating to bond with the metal surfaces of the gun. After bluing and drying, all blued parts should be oiled with a quality gun lubricant. Bluing's protective effects against corrosion work only on steel. Bluing kits are available at gun shops and sporting goods stores.

Things You'll Need

• Bottle of bluing liquid or complete bluing gun kit. Steel wool gauge 0000, pulled into small pieces for fine burnishing. Small strips of lint-free cloth to apply the bluing. Latex gloves Naval jelly, available at hardware stores Rubbing alcohol White vinegar

Instructions

1. Disassemble the weapon.

2. Place the metal components in a pan and rub Naval jelly (available at hardware stores) on the parts or cover with white vinegar to soak for one hour. Naval jelly works best, but vinegar will do in a pinch. This cleans the gun parts and removes any old bluing so the new coat will adhere properly.

   Note: If you are rebluing and need to remove the old blue first, do that. I use Naval Jelly I buy at our local Lowe's. My local gun shop sells rust and bluing remover in tiny bottles, but it's basically Naval Jelly.

3. Dry the metal gun parts with a cloth.

4. Rub the steel gun parts lightly with a piece of 0000 steel wool.

5. Warm the metal parts for a few minutes in an oven set to the lowest temperature, or use a hair dryer for a few minutes.

6. Apply a small amount of the bluing compound to a clean cloth and rub into the metal surfaces, working constantly.

7. Allow the initial bluing to dry before applying a second coat to smooth out the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Bluing oxidizes quickly on steel. To achieve an even finish, work constantly until all metal parts are coated.

• Work in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Gun bluing supplies

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish