Can you remove rust spots on a blued finish with wire wool without removing the blue?

[Discocom]

If you've got 'light' suface rust on a blued finish can you remove them using fine steel wool, I've read that you can, but I'm worried it will rub away the blueing too.

Should you use the wool 'as is' or with a light oil?

[JMH123]

Fine grade wool, oil, light touch, no problem.

[45flint]

This stainless steel material is the best I have found, with WD-40 it seems to just scrape off the rust without affecting the bluing. Can even put pressure on it to get tuffer spots. Have used 0000 steel wool and it works but not quite as effectively or easily. It’s looks like it would be coarse, kind of counter-intuitive, but just works like a charm, slides harmlessly across surface.. Have no idea if it’s sold in UK.

[DT Fletcher]

I've always had great results with Flitz polish. It doesn't affect the blueing but takes cares of the rust. Leaves protective finish is a plus.

[nige346]

An old bronze coin with oil is also good, needs to be an early all bronze coin with a smooth edge, Oil prior and then lightly rub with the edge of the coin, The rust will clear and the coin will wear on the edge you use, keep rotating and applying the oil, I've used this method many times and not damaged any blued finish, I know keep a collection of old 2p & 1P coins for this purpose and get the missus to keep her old one's.

DON'T do this with any post 1992 coins as they changed the composition, They look the same but are plated steel which will wreck the finish. This was shown to me years ago by an elderly restorer and is a method iv'e used ever since.

[Bluefan]

An old bronze coin with oil is also good, needs to be an early all bronze coin with a smooth edge, Oil prior and then lightly rub with the edge of the coin, The rust will clear and the coin will wear on the edge you use, keep rotating and applying the oil, I've used this method many times and not damaged any blued finish, I know keep a collection of old 2p & 1P coins for this purpose and get the missus to keep her old one's.

DON'T do this with any post 1992 coins as they changed the composition, They look the same but are plated steel which will wreck the finish. This was shown to me years ago by an elderly restorer and is a method iv'e used ever since.

That is bloody marvellous got to ask how did he find out if you know. Thanks for sharing got to be tip of the year but it's in with a shot at tip of the decade.

[45flint]

I've always had great results with Flitz polish. It doesn't affect the blueing but takes cares of the rust. Leaves protective finish is a plus.

I used this on my COLT blackpowder pistol once took the case hardening right off, and on the bluing my rag was blue in color?

[MDriskill]

I used this on my COLT blackpowder pistol once took the case hardening right off, and on the bluing my rag was blue in color?

ALWAYS test Flitz on a non-visible surface before diving in full-bore.

For most modern chemical blueing it is harmless, but it will instantly dissolve old-time rust blueing. If you aren’t sure what you’ve got, be careful with it.

[oldboyshooter]

Fine grade wool, oil, light touch, no problem.

hello, this but the finest grade and 3 in 1 oil