Birchwood Casey's Super Blue is a popular choice for gun enthusiasts looking to restore or enhance the bluing on their firearms. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions, tips, and troubleshooting advice to help you achieve professional-looking results at home. Whether you're a seasoned gunsmith or a first-timer, following these steps will maximize your chances of success.
Understanding the Process: What is Super Blue?
Super Blue is a cold bluing solution, meaning it doesn't require heating the metal. This makes it significantly safer and easier to use than hot bluing methods. The process involves chemically reacting with the steel to create a dark blue-black finish. It's crucial to understand that Super Blue is a surface treatment; it doesn't penetrate deeply into the metal like other bluing processes.
Preparation is Key: Getting Started Right
Before you even open the Super Blue bottle, meticulous preparation is paramount. This stage significantly impacts the final finish.
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Birchwood Casey Super Blue: Ensure you have the correct product and enough for your project.
- Steel Wool (0000 grade): Essential for cleaning and preparing the metal surface.
- Clean Rags: Lint-free cloths are ideal. Avoid using paper towels.
- Acetone or Denatured Alcohol: For degreasing the metal.
- Protective Gloves: Always wear gloves to protect your skin from the chemicals.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from splashes.
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area.
2. Thorough Cleaning:
- Disassemble the firearm to the extent necessary to access the areas you want to blue. Consult your firearm's manual for proper disassembly instructions.
- Carefully remove any rust, dirt, oil, or grease using steel wool and a suitable solvent like acetone or denatured alcohol. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas. Thoroughly clean and dry the metal before proceeding.
3. Surface Preparation:
- After degreasing, lightly abrade the metal surface with 0000 steel wool. This creates microscopic scratches that help the Super Blue adhere better. Work in the direction of the metal's grain.
- Remove any steel wool residue with clean rags and carefully inspect the surface for any remaining contaminants.
Applying Super Blue: A Step-by-Step Guide
This section details the application process. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear.
- Apply a Thin Coat: Using a clean rag, apply a very thin, even coat of Super Blue to the prepared metal surface. Don't overload the rag; a little goes a long way.
- Let it React: Allow the Super Blue to react with the metal for the recommended time (usually a few minutes). Refer to the instructions on the Birchwood Casey Super Blue bottle for precise timing.
- Wipe Excess: After the recommended reaction time, use a clean, dry rag to carefully wipe away any excess Super Blue. Don't rub aggressively; this could remove the newly applied bluing.
- Repeat as Needed: For deeper, more even coloration, you may need to repeat steps 1-3 several times. Allow sufficient drying time between applications. Each application will darken the finish.
Post-Application: Finishing Touches
Once the desired color is achieved, allow the blued surface to dry completely. This could take several hours, depending on the environmental conditions.
- Neutralization: Some recommend neutralizing the surface with a baking soda and water solution after the final coat. This can help prevent further reaction and enhance longevity.
- Protection: Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the blued surface to protect it from corrosion and wear.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Uneven Color: This often results from uneven application or inadequate surface preparation.
- Light Color: Insufficient applications or using too little Super Blue can lead to a lighter shade.
- Streaking: This can be caused by applying too thick a coat or failing to wipe excess Super Blue properly.
If you encounter any problems, carefully review each step to identify potential areas of improvement. Remember that practice makes perfect!
Conclusion: Achieving a Beautiful Blued Finish
By following these detailed instructions and paying attention to the preparation phase, you can achieve a professional-looking blued finish using Birchwood Casey Super Blue. Remember, patience and attention to detail are essential for success. With some practice, you'll be able to restore or enhance the beauty of your firearms.
