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I was asked by a Forum member about using Oxpho Blue, as he had tried it and had mixed results by following the directrions from Brownells.
Here is the method that I have used to blue complete pistols with good success:
Oxpho Blue is not a typical "paint on" cold blue. It is kinda a cross between cold blue and rust blue. I approach it as a "short cut" rust blue method. Be sure your parts are degreased good, Acetone or rubbing alcohol works well. I heat the part in my kitchen oven to the point that I can barely stand to touch it without getting burned, (but don't touch it and get skin oil on it, use clean cotton gloves or forceps to handle the parts). Then take a cotton swab (Brownells sells them) wet with the bluing solution and cover the part well. It will dry immediately due to the heat. Let it scale over and then apply another coat. Repeat this until it quits drying quickly due to the part cooling down. Let the part sit for about 1/2 hr, then wash under cold running water. Now take some fine steel wool, 000 or 0000, and remove all the rust scale and wash under cold running water again and wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. If you don't think the bluing is dark enough repeat the whole process over again. Let the bluing cure for 24 hours and then oil lightly. (After the curing period, you may see a small amount of rusting on the part, remove this with steel wool and oil).
If I am bluing small parts, after degreasing & heating, I just drop them into a container containing Oxpho Blue and let soak for about 5 mins, then wash and proceed as above.
Here is the method that I have used to blue complete pistols with good success:
Oxpho Blue is not a typical "paint on" cold blue. It is kinda a cross between cold blue and rust blue. I approach it as a "short cut" rust blue method. Be sure your parts are degreased good, Acetone or rubbing alcohol works well. I heat the part in my kitchen oven to the point that I can barely stand to touch it without getting burned, (but don't touch it and get skin oil on it, use clean cotton gloves or forceps to handle the parts). Then take a cotton swab (Brownells sells them) wet with the bluing solution and cover the part well. It will dry immediately due to the heat. Let it scale over and then apply another coat. Repeat this until it quits drying quickly due to the part cooling down. Let the part sit for about 1/2 hr, then wash under cold running water. Now take some fine steel wool, 000 or 0000, and remove all the rust scale and wash under cold running water again and wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. If you don't think the bluing is dark enough repeat the whole process over again. Let the bluing cure for 24 hours and then oil lightly. (After the curing period, you may see a small amount of rusting on the part, remove this with steel wool and oil).
If I am bluing small parts, after degreasing & heating, I just drop them into a container containing Oxpho Blue and let soak for about 5 mins, then wash and proceed as above.