Cold blue question

[mattgun]

Hi all,

I have a Webley Senior in very good condition.

I touched in a few small small areas of worn finish with cold blue which came out reasonably well but not a perfect match. I'm just wondering whether the new 'blue' finish is the same chemical compound achieved through the original bluing process or something completely different?

Cheers,

Matt

[evert]

Cold blues are something completely different than hot caustic blue.

They wear away fast too, and you never get rid of the smell... Besides I think they are quite toxic.

[ccdjg]

Hi all,

I have a Webley Senior in very good condition.

I touched in a few small small areas of worn finish with cold blue which came out reasonably well but not a perfect match. I'm just wondering whether the new 'blue' finish is the same chemical compound achieved through the original bluing process or something completely different?

Cheers,

Matt

No they are not chemically the same. The factory "blue" is jet black magnetic iron oxide, produced by the action of hot salts, and has good wear resistance and protective properties. Cold "blues" generally produce a selenium compound coated on the surface of the steel, which will have a lighter shade of black and will wear off much more easily.

[mattgun]

Thanks both! That's interesting information. Don't think I'll be using the cold blue again.

Cheers,

Matt

[Benelli B76]

Done hundreds of rifles and pistols with no problems (see link). Different colour finishes depending on length of time left on surface. Gingernut on bbs has just done his Bonehill Brittania and got brilliant old brown finish by leaving paste on for 24 hours. I get nice blue by using for 5 minutes.

Baz

http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....best-cold-blue

[Abasmajor]

I have successfully used cold blue to 'touch-up' small areas, screw heads etc which if done with care can closely match the original finish. I first started using cold blue on my black powder revolvers, but as has already been mentioned, any heavy handling or cleaning soon removes the rather delicate finish.

Regards

Brian

[gingernut]

Some of these products are not as good as a cd marker pen.

But G96 does give good results on older guns.
It won't work on some more modern guns which have various coatings and alloy content.

I am very pleased with the finish on my Bonehill which is not rubbing off.
I left the paste on for 30 mins not 24 hours as Baz says above!

But I have a Webley Mk 3 that was re blued by Mr Malloy which I think is a bit better