TOUCH UP BLUING

[DanP]

or blacking. I am looking for advice on what to buy for touch up on the top of a 14-5 where the rear sight is mounted. The previous owner added a scope to the gun and there is some finish worn away. The area looks more black than blue to me and duller than the rest of the gun. Also, what tape would you use to protect the surrounding area? The pic doesn't show all of the worn area, it's a little worse than it looks. Thank you in advance.

 

[mrcabinet2122]

Oxpho Blue. As cold blues go, it's the best I've found. No need to mask anything. Just make sure the area is cleaned really well.

 

[Camster]

Oxpho Blue. As cold blues go, it's the best I've found. No need to mask anything. Just make sure the area is cleaned really well.

Agreed. After touching up the worn areas, I would probably apply it to the entire top strap, so that it blends a little better.

 

[gman51]

I agree with the above. Make sure all oil residue is cleaned from the gun or the cold blue might not take very well if at all. Wear gloves because even skin oil from your fingers handling the gun can cause problems. I would not tape any parts of that area of the gun off. The cold blue shouldn't affect the original bluing. I would use a hair drier to heat up the area you're working with.

 

[BigBill]

I clean the area to be reblued with rubbing alcohol. Let dry.
Heat the area with a hair dryer. Apply the bluing with a soft rag. Now if the bluing isn’t taking to the metal I put bluing on a 0000 steelwool and work it into the metal. Apply coats till the desired color deptness is achieved.

After bluing you can lightly polish the area or oil it. Try to match the orginal bluing

 

[Gunhacker]

Another vote for Brownell's Oxpho-blue. I used it to blue an entire steel grip frame for a Ruger Blackhawk that was "in the white", after fitting it to the gun. That was years ago and it has been very durable.

I've used it for touch up on many firearms with great results.

 

[DanP]

Thanks to all. Sounds like Oxpho-Blue is right product. One more question, liquid or cream?

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

I use the liquid.

 

[mrcabinet2122]

I've never tried the cream, but I can tell you a bottle of the liquid will last a long, long time. I usually use a Q-tip for touch ups.The heating with a hair dryer first is a great tip that I forgot to mention. Also, pour a little into a separate dish (the cap works well) and apply it from there. You don't want to contaminate the whole bottle.

 

[F75gunslinger]

Another vote for Oxpho-blue. I bought the small bottle of the liquid. I used acetone to clean the area before applying, and a heat gun to warm the metal up. I also used a q-tip, but I would use a small container and put some in it, using the cap may contaminate the bottle. When it gets to the desired color, wipe it off and immediately apply oil to stop the oxidation process.

 

[Abbynormal]

I'd clean the top strap with acetone, not alkyhall! It won't hurt the bluing
and will take off anything to get down to the metal surface.

My eyes on a small pic indicated scratches and or machine marks. That's a different
story. Wet blue/black will only do so much.

 

[Imissedagain]

Naphtha is what I was advised to use to get the surface clean.

 

[bananaman]

I would clean it with acetone myself. Do yourself a favor and don't use steel wool. Bronze wool does not scratch like steel can. I have had some good touch up results. Bob

 

[diyj98]

Thanks to all. Sounds like Oxpho-Blue is right product. One more question, liquid or cream?

I like the cream because it will stay in the spot without running off.

I've had good luck with Brownells Dicropan as well. On some metals it seems to give a "blacker" finish where as Oxpho will be more "blueish".

 

[DanP]

Good eyes ABBYNORMAL. The scope base was a no name cheap poorly machined piece of aluminum that mirrored the machine markings on to the top strap. The top strap is actually smooth and I don't think that the markings will show after touch up, we shall see! I bought this revolver at a really good price but it really made me sick when I removed the scope. I am leaning toward the creme to avoid liquid running to areas that don't need any refinish. Again, thank you gentlemen for your insight.

 

[kennyb]

I just ordered some as I have a bit to touch up here and there.Does it last pretty well ? Stand up to cleaning and such?

 

[diyj98]

I’ve never had cleaning solvents bother it, but it’s easy to touch up if needed.