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Thread: Looking for Advice on Stripping Plated Screws and Then Bluing

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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RossMkIIEnjoyer View Post
    So how did you catalyze the rusting process before boiling to convert it?
    Mark Lee's Express Blue No. 1 is quick and easy (<5 minutes to rust each iteration) - wipe on, dry with torch, repeat a couple times, then boil. However, it takes vigorous carding after the first iteration (rusting salts all have copper in them, which gets carded off in the first iteration) for this I use one of those nice soft carding wheels from brownells...like $20 was wall...on a drill. Subsequent cardings are easy peasy - I prefer to do by hand.
    https://markleesupplies.com It's available at brownells and is pretty cheap at $30 for a big bottle


    For something slower and more traditional, I have used the American Blue from rustable.com. https://www.rustblue.com/shop/bluing...blue-american/, These work fine, but must be watched closely, rusting progression depends on not just time, but heat and humidity levels. I built a small sweat box from a large pot that worked well for small parts. For barrels, I had a hard time getting even color with just hanging in the shop. It's expensive. There are other formula's out there that people like, everyone has their own preference, but these all work same/similar. I didn't use a sweat box for barrels - it was cheaper to try Mark Lee's.

    I use Mark Lee's express exclusively now. It is easier to build up thicker layers than slow formula's, since it micro-etches the surface faster. I also find the color to be much deeper and richer black than the slow formulas I tried. Plus, you can blue an entire rifle, action, barrel and all the small parts, from bare white metal to done in a single sat. afternoon once you get the hang of it.

    Also...little trick I learned...the alloy in some metals will produce a light grey finish with any formula. It's not your fault. However, when you are done oiling, rub in a nice coat of lithium grease...the white stuff. It will change that grey to a deep black with a unique subtle sparkle.

    Lastly, there is a video of a smith on YouTube that uses Mark Lee's express on shotgun barrels. he uses an airbrush to apply. I'm doing that on my next project (dunno what that project is yet).
    Last edited by ssgross; 03-18-2022 at 08:59 AM.

  2. Thank You to ssgross For This Useful Post:


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