Slow Rust Bluing Recipe

[BushyFromOz]

HI guys, very long time since I posted

I have in my possession a couple of Lithgow SMLE sporters (model 42 and the .410 conversion that were in pretty bad shape when I found them. I also have a lithgow model 12 that needs the metalwork refinishing. I have been looing into whether it is feasible to do the re-bluing at home and believe that the slow rust bluing process would be well within my abilities, but I cant seem to find the acid commercially available in Australia (brownells, why wont you reply to my emails!)

Does anyone have a "recipe" per say and any sage advice on slow rust bluing? Thanks in advance

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[bigduke6]

I would have a look for the following book, Firearm blueing & browning by R H Angier

The easiest and safest way is using 2% Salammoniac (ammonium chloride) solution, there are other recipes in the book, but this one gives a dark black appearance after 3-4 applications.

The basics= clean the parts, apply the solution and leave to rust, boil in distilled water for at least 20 mins, after the boil removed the black oxide with a wire brush or scouring pad etc and repeat process till required finish is present.

Very simple and effective, if you have time on your hands.

[WarPig1976]

Can you get your hands on 70% Nitric acid and Sulfuric acid?

[Topfmine]

I done a P14 with 2% Salammoniac ammonium chloride turned out very professional especially when the oil was applied after the last process, gave a deep black blue finish, i was impressed with the results and even more as i done it myself.

[BushyFromOz]

I would have a look for the following book, Firearm blueing & browning by R H Angier

I saw that in another thread, I ordered the book of evilbay already =D

---------- Post added at 12:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:41 AM ----------

Can you get your hands on 70% Nitric acid and Sulfuric acid?

Sulfuric acid isn't a problem. I'm not sure on nitric acid though. Chemical supply places stock it obviously, but im not sure if its something I will be able to purchase. if anyone on Oz has info on whether is can be brought without special licensing im all ears

2% ammonium chloride would be diluted in destilled water?

[bigduke6]

2% ammonium chloride would be diluted in destilled water?

Distilled or rain water. I would recommend to test on some scrap steel, try two bits, one highly polished and one sand blasted or similar. As Topfmine describes it is a deep black /blue finish.
Common table salt can be used but gives a brown / black finish IIRC.

The only things I blue now are bayonets ........ all other stuff normally gets blasted and a parkerised/ phosphate finish.

You won't be disappointed in the book.

[WarPig1976]

I saw that in another thread, I ordered the book of evilbay already =D

You're half way home then. Take your pick of recipes in that book.

[BushyFromOz]

Distilled or rain water. I would recommend to test on some scrap steel, try two bits, one highly polished and one sand blasted or similar. As Topfmine describes it is a deep black /blue finish.
Common table salt can be used but gives a brown / black finish IIRC.

The only things I blue now are bayonets ........ all other stuff normally gets blasted and a parkerised/ phosphate finish.

You won't be disappointed in the book.

Thanks very much. I have some old trigger guards and a stuffed Omark barrel that I am going to test on first.

I am working up for a longer term project, I have an 303-25 on a no4 longbranch action that I want to turn into my every day range rifle. I have a lothar walther barrel for it and a nice set of old parker hale sights to go on, I just need to get proficient at the metal finishing before I get into that one

[bigduke6]

Thanks very much. I have some old trigger guards and a stuffed Omark barrel that I am going to test on first.

I am working up for a longer term project, I have an 303-25 on a no4 longbranch action that I want to turn into my every day range rifle. I have a lothar walther barrel for it and a nice set of old parker hale sights to go on, I just need to get proficient at the metal finishing before I get into that one

Sounds an interesting project, keep us posted.