Cold Bluing Research Paper

In this week’s lesson I, learned about the process of Cold bluing. This is a process in which we, as future Gunsmiths will protect a weapon against rusting and repair a firearms cosmetic appearance. The purpose behind cold bluing firearms is improvement. The cold bluing process, is an inexpensive way to repair; older, rusting or blemished weapons. As a future Gunsmith, I will be able to not only provide protection, but also coloring on metalwork.
When addressing the issue of a rusting weapon I, will start by removing the existing rust with either; steel wool or light grit sandpaper along with WD-40. After using the WD-40 and steel wool to wipe off the rusting I, can begin the regular bluing process. To begin bluing, I will wipe off any residue from the surface. Using a small butane lighter, I, can heat the area and open the pores of the metal. This will result in the metal having a better bluing finish.
When applying the bluing I, will use either the steel wool with the bluing solution or cotton. The steel wool is used to even out the area. I, will need to apply the cold bluing with the steel wool multiple times until my desired result of a dark but dull or black in color finish is achieved. My usage of the steel wool or fine grit sandpaper will only be limited to the treated …show more content…
In the instructional video, two bluing solutions were tested. Birchwood Casey’s Perma Blue and 44/40 bluing liquid were used to demonstrate the different quality finishes. Birchwood Casey Perma Blue is a bluing liquid that is primarily used for touch ups on small scratches and will yield a decent result. Brownell’s 44/40 liquid bluing can be applied to the weapons metal hot or cold and will deliver better bluing results than the Perma Blue. Oxpho Bluing liquid and crème in my opinion seem to produce the best results as it won’t run off or evaporate, giving the Gunsmith additional time to work with the bluing