Need Info About Finish for my New Service Project

[rhmc24]

I'm close to completing engraving my New Service project, next step, a finish. Originally planned to send to Turnbulls for blue at $150. I've had experience with their good work. Been hearing about finishes such as electroless nickel, Duracoat and others. No preference blue or nickel. Since this will be my BBQ piece, appearance is the main issue.

Will much appreciate info. Since I have engraved it, do these finished add thickness as would fill the engraving? Since I put effort into polishing, do these finishes have a dull or gloss finish? Cost? Turnaround time?

I have experience with various blues and electroplating but don't know enough about these new alternatives to ask the right questions. Any comments, suggestions, reccos, etc will be very helpful. Thanks,
Here is my project before I started engraving:

[jwise]

Nothing is better than a deep, royal blue. I am thinking about sending my Colt 1917 in to get the royal blue treatment. I'd love to have it engraved, too, but I don't have the coin for that...

[Oyeboten]

You could do a Nickle Frame & Barrel...with Fire Blue Cylinder and Screws...

Ivory or MOP Stocks, would set those off nicely...

[rhmc24]

I've done some internet reading overnite and will probably go blue with Turnbulls. I do engraving of my fun-guns and already made ebony grips for it and will put some kind of inlay on them, silver or maybe ivory. Fire blue is not out of the question. I did it couple times before in my kitchen oven.

[twaits]

I've done some internet reading overnite and will probably go blue with Turnbulls. I do engraving of my fun-guns and already made ebony grips for it and will put some kind of inlay on them, silver or maybe ivory. Fire blue is not out of the question. I did it couple times before in my kitchen oven.

That's interesting. Could you tell us the process of fire blueing in the oven?

[rhmc24]

Sent info in a PM but to close this: not much of a process, just put it in the oven set for a little over 550F. Fire blue is the same temp 560F for spring tempering carbon steel. Gas oven temp is approx and your best bet is to keep an eye on it for right color. Some experience needs be built up on junk guns or parts to decide if it works well enuf for you.

[rhmc24]

I finished my engraving and sent it to Turnbulls. It will get the hot salts blue. Never saw theirs & I'm much interested in seeing it. Their Charcoal blue is great on my pre-1911s I have sent them.