BEST COLD BLUE I HAVE YET TO FIND

[chief38]

For those of you who have read some of my past posts in regards to Cold Bluing, you will know that I was never a big fan of the stuff and never really found one that was worth the trouble.

I went through my Dads stuff last year and I found a tube (toothpaste style) of Birchwood-Casey Perma-Blue and just tossed it into my gun cleaning tool box.

Today while cleaning a pistol I notices that the front and rear of the grip frame had most of its original bluing worn off but that the rest of the pistol was in pristine shape. I figured what the heck and prepared the metal on the old pistol for some cold bluing by cleaning the surface area with a piece of 0000 steel-wool and using alcohol to clean off any residue of oil and dirt. After heating the metal with a hair dryer I applied a few coats of the B/C Perma-Blue and got what I thought was just about the best cold bluing results I have ever gotten! One would be VERY hard pressed to know that the areas were NOT original. I suppose now the true test is to see how long it holds up, but I will say again I finally have some respect for a COLD BLUE product that is somewhat viable. After trying all the other common ones I was a bit sour about cold blues, but my faith has been revitalized! Oh.... and by the way, I have absolutely no idea on how old his tube of Perma-Blue even is since my Dad is no longer here to ask but it sure ain't new!

Regards,
Chief38

 

[Combat]

I have found out over the years when playing with many different cold blues that the secret of getting the best results always includes properly cleaning de-greasing, and polishing first.Also, follow the instructions exactly like it says on the label for the product you are using.Don't assume just because you used a different product a certain way that the new stuff will give the same results if you apply it the same way you did the other stuff. Heating the metal before use seems to help all the products I've tried more than anything else.

 

[Engineer1911]

Old B/C Perma-Blue causes who knows how many health, safety, and environmental issues. Just ask any California lawyer, and it works just like you experienced.

Today's B/C Perma-Blue is California lawyer approved, can probably be used for cake frosting, and doesn't work as well. This has been my experience with engine degreaser, radiator cleaner, weed killer, and insecticides. The "old stuff" really worked, but not so true today.

 

[KLYDE]

Chief,
I had a tube of the old B/C cold blue that I used to use on my pellet gun back in the early 60's. Worked like a charm. I doubt that would be the case today.

BTW I still have the Winchester pellet gun.

 

[Hapworth]

Several applications (six or more), with gentle polishing using 000 steel wool between them, has given me the best results with cold bluing.

 

[WR Moore]

I've been rather taken with the results from Brownells Dicropan IM.

 

[xb40]

+1 dicropan

 

[Babalooie]

Oxpho Blue works for me.