barrel blue to paint question

[scottd913]

how to remove the blue off the barrel without sanding or wire brush
guess what im asking is what is the right way to remove the bluing?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Why remove it if you're going to paint over it?

 

[Scorch]

You can use bluing remover, bead blast, shot peen, sand blast, sand paper, ammonia fuming, nitric acid bath, or whatever you want. Or just pain it, if you are so inclined. Degrease it first.

 

[PetahW]

Vinegar will remove bluing, but then the metal will need to be primed prior to painting.

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[Dfariswheel]

If you're going to paint it you can just degrease really well and apply the paint over the bluing.
The remaining bluing will aid in rust prevention.

The best pre-paint treatment is to bead blast the metal. This leaves a rough finish that gives the paint a "tooth" to bond to and greatly improves adhesion.