My first (and only) attempt at bluing was on an old rifle barrel that a friend had let go to rust. I went for chemical or cold bluing using a commercially available solution. I removed the rust (which was quite extensive) using a series of steel wool pads, being careful not to touch the cleaned steel with my bare hands. I left the cleaned barrel sit overnight (a mistake), and had to reclean it the next day. Rust had already started to appear! After recleaning, I applied the compound and saw the "magic" happened. The results were quite acceptable and the gun went back to a satisfied owner.
What a colorful story on the practicality of science! And happy to hear that you were successful…even though at the end you blue it. ;-)
Good one, Cliff. Never one to let a good pun get rusty. ;-)
My first (and only) attempt at bluing was on an old rifle barrel that a friend had let go to rust. I went for chemical or cold bluing using a commercially available solution. I removed the rust (which was quite extensive) using a series of steel wool pads, being careful not to touch the cleaned steel with my bare hands. I left the cleaned barrel sit overnight (a mistake), and had to reclean it the next day. Rust had already started to appear! After recleaning, I applied the compound and saw the "magic" happened. The results were quite acceptable and the gun went back to a satisfied owner.
Great story, Carlos. Thank you for sharing!