Cold Bluing Revisited: Brownell's Oxpho Blue Part 2

Published on May 15, 2010
Duration: 9:47

This video revisits cold bluing using Brownell's Oxpho Blue on a Finn M91 barreled action. It details the critical importance of meticulous metal preparation, including sanding with oiled 240-grit sandpaper to prevent rust and achieve desired luster. Proper degreasing with isopropyl alcohol and heating the metal before application are highlighted as key steps for effective bluing.

Quick Summary

Meticulous metal preparation is key for cold bluing. This includes sanding with oiled sandpaper to prevent rust, polishing to achieve desired luster, and thorough degreasing with isopropyl alcohol. Heating the metal before applying solutions like Brownell's Oxpho-Blue helps open pores for better chemical bonding.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Finn M91 Cold Bluing Project
  2. 00:33Metal Prep: Oiled Sandpaper & Vise Setup
  3. 01:13Sanding & Polishing Barrel for Luster
  4. 03:12Visualizing Metal Prep: 'In the White' vs. Original
  5. 05:33Receiver & Sight Area Preparation
  6. 07:46Degreasing Metal with Isopropyl Alcohol
  7. 09:06Heating Metal & Applying Oxpho-Blue

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in cold bluing a firearm like the Finn M91?

The critical first step is meticulous metal preparation. This involves securing the firearm in a vise and thoroughly sanding and polishing the metal surfaces to remove rust and the old finish, aiming for a desired level of luster.

How can I prevent flash rusting during metal preparation for bluing?

To prevent flash rusting, use penetrating oil like Kroil on your sandpaper during the sanding process. This also helps prevent the grit from fouling and ensures a smoother finish on the metal.

Why is heating the metal important before applying cold bluing solution?

Heating the metal, for example with a hairdryer, before applying a cold bluing solution like Oxpho-Blue helps to open the metal's pores. This allows the bluing chemicals to penetrate and bond more effectively, leading to a more even and durable finish.

What are the best degreasers for firearm metal preparation before bluing?

Isopropyl alcohol is an excellent choice for degreasing metal before cold bluing as it evaporates quickly. Acetone or denatured alcohol are also effective alternatives that ensure the surface is free of oils and contaminants.

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