Is "cold blue" just paint or ??? Options

[sgarnett]

A real "blued" finish on steel (actually closer to black) has been chemically etched and "oxidized" (don't know if's really oxide or some other compound) to form a protective surface layer.

I know the "cold blue" touch up finish sold at gun stores isn't the same process, and isn't as good, but is it still an oxide-layer type finish, or just paint/dye? Is it resistant to solvents? Does it provide any corrosion protection? Real blued steel will still corrode, but not as readily.

This post has been edited by sgarnett: Jul 13 2005, 03:24 PM

[trackbird]

Is it resistant to solvents? Does it provide any corrosion protection?

It's supposed to be resistant and provide protection. It's often used to touch up after basic gunsmithing for protection.

I'll have to do more research now.

[trackbird]

I stand corrected.

The single largest drawback of cold bluing, however, is that it provides no rust protection. In fact, some blues may even promote rusting.

And from the same article and worth noting:

At the top end of the durability spectrum is one worthy of special note, Brownell's Oxpho-Blue. This stuff wears like chrome plating. You can scrub on it with fine steel wool until the cows come home and not harm the finish one bit. It does, however, have a rather strange appearance. It comes out sort of a metallic, charcoal gray that is very shiny. With many blues the slightest trace of oil is the kiss of death; however, another unique quality of Oxpho-Blue is that it actually goes on better if there is a little oil present during the application. In fact, the best way to apply Oxpho-Blue is with steel wool, which has a considerable amount of oil in it to prevent the fibers from rusting.

From here:

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/techside/blue_0515/

[robz71lm7]

My shooting buddy used Oxpho-Blue on some makarov's and a ruger with heavy holster wear and was very pleased with it. It looked pretty nice to me for a home job. Brownells sells it for a reasonable price.

Brownells also has gunkote, teflon-moly, alumahyde and other spray on gun finishes which are supposed to be great. I've been meaning to get some gunkote to finish my xd's stainless slide black-if it will work on stainless. I don't like the way the stainless stands out. I polished my 1911's stainless slide-go figure. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[sgarnett]

Oops, that website is blocked from work. Apparently "weapons" have been added to the list.

Appearance doesn't matter, so I'll try to find some of the Oxpho Blue. Thanks!