Nitre bluing I wanted an S&W model 19 reblued in the high gloss original blue it once had. Mar 9, 2021 · The hard part with nitre bluing isn't the bluing or getting the materials, it's proper metal prep. – 650° F. (An hour, due to the many cycles. If you want the old pre-war Colt blue, that's Carbona or charcoal bluing. Hunter Restorations offers color case hardening, charcoal bluing, rust bluing, nitre bluing, fire bluing and hot caustic salt bluing. I ASUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURIES INC Oct 2, 2021 · They might not be the same steel as real Colt gun screws, but I'd want to get the handling and temperature practices down pat first. this is also a historical correct method. Reactions: Pete G. SAFETY DATA SHEET 1. In the nitre bluing process, polished and cleaned steel parts are immersed in a bath of molten salts—typically potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate (sometimes with of manganese dioxide per pound of total nitrate). *Small shops have often replaced tank bluing with the use of what is essentially paint, which gives good results but is nowhere near the quality of a good hot tank bluing job. But you don’t need a minion to do this, just a 650 degree pot of salt. Belgian Bluing : Rust Bluing . In the nitre bluing process, polished and cleaned steel parts are immersed in a bath of molten salts—typically potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate (sometimes with 9. For many years it was often difficult to have a gun blued and have it match the exact shade it may have been before and nearly impossible to bring a firearm to a gunsmith and have the blue match what may have been done by someone else. Brownells Nitreblue~ Bluing Salts $ 66. 5 pounds 100% sodium Hydroxide (100% Lye) Dicropan IM™ Bluing is an excellent choice for the oc-casional rebluer or the shop specializing in double barrels. Gorgeous "Fire Blue" Colors & No-Scale Tempering – A Master Metal Finisher’s Secret Useable In Any Shop. 99. This should only be done on non-moving parts as the finish is less durable than most other bluing. Nov 27, 2012 · I am just wondering if anyone has a recipe or/and tips on a good homemade blueing salt bath. This brilliant blue finish can be used Nov 11, 2024 · Nitre bluing is achieved by immersing metal parts in a heated bath of potassium nitrate, resulting in a bright, vivid blue with hints of purple depending on the temperature. To blue a gun using this method, you must use nitre bluing salts. May 16, 2023 · That’s when I learned that bluing steel is more or less a conversion of red iron oxide (Fe2O3) to black iron oxide (Fe3O4). May 15, 2016 · Niter (Nitre) bluing is nothing more than temper bluing in a controlled and air free environment. DuraBlue® Nitre - Liquid Application. Does anyone here have any experience in re-strawing? It is my understanding that a low temp nitre bluing process is used to produce the yellow colors. Their popular Model 1876, an enlarged version of the classic Model 1873, had made a name for itself as a solid rifle, but it had one big limitation—it wasn’t quite strong enough to handle the big-bore, high-power cartridges that were becoming essential for serious hunting and long-range shooting. Q. Nitre bluing can produce finishes ranging from light blues to deep purples, adding unique visual appeal to steel components. First off, you will not be able to evenly heat a frame or a slide at the correct speed in a real Nitre bluing set up. I have mine all displayed in various ways. com/video-library Dec 4, 2010 · I was having a looky-see at the different methods of bluing and was wondering what is the simple prettiest method. Many of these finishes were a byproduct of that parts manufacturing process. Unlike other bluing solutions, these salts are used straight and require heating to temperatures ranging from 570°F to 650°F. Oven bluing is basically the same, but with the surrounding air you don't get as good a color. (they are NOT dissolved in water, they’re used straight). Nitre Bluing Nitre bluing is a decorative bluing process for metal gun parts. It is particu-larly vital that you keep all children and pets out, for involuntary massive contact with the bluing salts could prove fatal; at the very least, it can involve severe and dangerous caustic burns. Rust bluing is a method of making steel rust in a controlled environment. When the metal is submerged in the liquid hot salts, it changes color like heat bluing, from a light straw to a brilliant blue. I love that purplish-blue that you can get. I have also completed the Master Gunsmithing Course by American Gunsmith Institute. 200 South Front Street Montezuma, Iowa 50171 United States www. No frames, slides, hammers, etc. My credentials are my years of experience and schooling at Trinidad State Jr. The temperature will change depending on the color you are trying to achieve. I have a 1909 argentine with some of its original nitre blue. From there, varies by part, and I try to only nitre if parts were heat blued originally too. I'm one who is mostly focused on functionality (thus many Armor-Tuff finished Wilson 1911s), but who also has a strong appreciation of artistry. Aug 12, 2007 · Nitre Blue. The pistol needs to have the hardness check before you fire it. Surface finish is everything in heat bluing. I have had a lot of input on blueing over the years. these start life as the highest quality 1911 pins money can buy and are then hand polished and elevated by being dipped in steroid fortified bluing salts at 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Might not be suitable for certain parts either. Keep it real and realize fire blue or nitre bluing isn't as durable as regular ol' bluing. Niter bluing involves melting KNO3, then putting the clean metal in it. The process is hot bluing, on heat treated components. Offering the finest period correct color case hardening, rust bluing, checkering & niter bluing A timelapse of nitre bluing salts melting down. Original Bluing method of firearm finishing used by Colt, Winchester Marlin. kansas_volunteer 45 Cal. The function of the charcoal is pretty much the same as the liquid nitre salts, to provide a way of controlling the temperature and making it uniform Nitre bluing is a metal finishing process that involves heat treatment with a salt bath solution. and it does superb tempering to boot. 4 grams (0. Apr 9, 2022 · Dang, these 800+ temps. when you get the color you want, quench it. The classic color is "peacock blue. Sep 26, 2014 · I have always thought of the bluing process as a kind of dark art. They did not bring the parts to a high polish, and the parts don't have the bright color of the Colt parts brought to a high polish. Also known as Fire Blue, Nitre Bluing was historically seen on small parts of handguns and long guns. For best results, the small parts need to be polished to a matchless finish. If it matters, perhaps our OP could share more details. Mar 6, 2022 · Then you want to polish the workpiece. The salt can be controlled to within 5 degrees witch is near impossible to do with open flame. May 11, 2016 · I don’t know about Nitre, but bluing is becoming a lost art as it may be near the price of the gun to have it done. The bluing process has changed a lot over the years both in the preferred methods and the chemicals used. polish the parts well first' best kw If you want to do really high end finishes watch the AGI Slow Rust & Nitre Bluing Course. Aligns well with spring temper too, so I generally never worried about softening any spring or screw tempering. I dont want to pay a lot to get my gun redone. Nitre salts are designed to completely change the temperature of a small part, in order to heat treat it, and leave behind the residual coloring associated with heat treating at that temperature. 3cm) long stem, (required to be immersed at least 2" (5. 1cm) dial, 8" (20. Reply. That takes time, effort, and equipment. And it is usually applied only to certain parts, rarely is it applied to the entire gun. Oct 18, 2015 · I can achieve a blue that reasonably compares to Colt's 19th C blue - but not quite!!! Slow rust bluing was OK but doesn't (or didn't) give me the mirror black blue I was hoping to achieve. Mar 20, 2010 · From my research, it appears that Nitre salt is just potassium nitrate, which I would think you should be able to get locally. If you need something Nitre Blued shoot me a email. This was done until the desired color was achieved. Feb 27, 2018 · try nitre blueing for your screws and other small parts. Feb 29, 2008 · I have a 1917 DWM that has an old reblue that is very respectable, however all the small parts which are supposed to be strawed, with the exception of the trigger, was also blued. Able to create a brilliant, bright blue coloration on metal surfaces upon which it is applied, nitre bluing gun parts is accomplished by immersing parts, often pins, screws, springs and other small parts, in a salt solution heated to several hundred degrees. The parts were put in a wire mesh basked and lowered into the mixture for a short period and then examined for color. The name of the process actually comes from the blue-black appearance of the black iron oxide. . SAA. Jun 21, 2011 · The difference between hot and cold blue is the A: heat needed to penetrate into the pores of the metal and B: the chemical composition used to begin the rusting/bluing process. Set Includes: hammer pin, sear pin, mainspring housing retainer pin, mag catch lock As for tempering gun steel: Hot salts aren't hot enough to temper gun metal. WHILE IT WILL NOT HARM THE TEMPER OF YOUR BLADES, 275 DEGREE BOILING LYE AND FERTILIZER WILL MOST DEFINITELY HARM YOUR SKIN, EYES, LUNGS, HAIR, SINUSES, AND ANYTHING ELSE ON YOUR BEING THAT IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH. Gun bluing methods include hot caustic bluing, rust bluing, and nitre bluing. Jun 1, 2014 · Heat Bluing or Flame Bluing is actually heat treating. Dec 13, 2013 · Nitre bluing, Charcoal Bluing and Caustic Bluing processes are relitvely easy to execute, Carbonia Bluing, not so easy as you need equipment that is no longer available today. The steel would be exposed to those temperature for much longer times then it takes for the bluing process. It can be achieved in several ways. Be particu-larly insistent on keeping people out of your bluing room. Email us for pricing and details for this option. com Nitre Blue Bluing Salts, 10lbs Bucket Brownells # 082090019 MFR # NITRE BLUING SALTS (10 LBS) UPC 050806107342 $90. Answer: Feb 1, 2020 · Nitre Bluing (photos) Jump to Latest 2. mikehunterrestorations. May 17, 2022 · The last step is removing all the oil with a rag, reoiling, then wiping clean again. History of Nitre Bluing on Antique and Classic Firearms - Turnbull Restoration For avid collectors of antique firearms, nitre bluing represents not only an enduring finish but a vivid connection to an era when craftsmanship and Apr 13, 2025 · Nitre bluing heats the steel in a potassium nitrate bath to create a decorative finish. If you were charcoal or nitre blueing, then you might be losing some of the quench in the steel (these blueing methods are done at about 600F), but not with hot salt blueing. Niter bluing should be used only on screw, pins, and other non critical parts. Everything turned out good except the grip safety post wasn't left in long enough. It has more of a soft sheen. It is beautiful and often seen on custom and high-dollar firearms. The Brownell's "Gunsmith Kinks" books have a lot of very useful information on all types and methods of bluing. It's a simple process that anyone can do with the right tools and techniques. This is another heat blue method, only using a salts compound that melts when heated. Nitre Blue Bluing Salts, 10lbs Bucket Brownells # 082090019 MFR # NITRE BLUING SALTS (10 LBS) UPC 050806107342 $90. I'm interested in nitre bluing the barrel. Mar 7, 2024 · We have all heard of the bluing process call Nitre Bluing, steel parts are immersed in potassium nitrate and heated producing these Tember Colors, Nitre blue salts will displace the oxygen and also maintain a uniform heat, to ensue a uniform color. If a part such as a screw head is not going to be subject to handling and wear, you can fire blue the surface of the screw head with a propane torch--slowly heating it until Apr 25, 2023 · Nitre bluing also uses a chemical process to put blue on a gun with sodium and potassium nitrates. The truth is not too far off. Jun 14, 2021 · I do my own hot black oxide. Niter Bluing. Jun 27, 2013 · Material name Nitre Bluing Salts (TM), 10 LB Version # 03 Issue date 06-27-2013 Revision date 05-18-2015 Supersedes date 06-03-2014 CAS # Mixture Product code 082-090-019 Product use Metal finishing BROWNELLS, INC. Joined May 5, 2007 Jan 7, 2009 · However, niter-bluing uses nothing except potassium nitrate for its active ingredient, and potassium nitrate in a suitably pure form is as far away as the local hardware store, nursery supply shop or home improvement mart! Vintage firearm restoration and fine gunsmithing. Most folks know it for the peacock blues found on Colt's, Winchesters, and other firearms. I'm sure that a search for "potassium nitrate bluing" or "saltpeter bluing Apr 3, 2015 · In my research into restoring the Krag, I have found that Springfield Armory used several different metal finishes for the various parts of the rifle. Here is an example of his work on a 3rd Gen. This results in a variety of colors, from straw to bright blue. Apparently these are the ingredients of stump remover as there is a youtube video of a guy nitre bluing on his stove with stump remover. Jan 12, 2024 · Nitre blued pin set. Nitre Bluing . COM . This took about 45min to get up to tempera Jul 31, 2017 · THIS IS A HOT CAUSTIC BLUING SOLUTION. Feb 5, 2015 · The other is nitre bluing which actually can impart a range of hues to metal from straw to black. , but the parts were not "cooked". Please note, Nitre Bluing is not as durable as black oxide or hot bluing. Get the sought-after look of traditional nitre bluing! Also known as fire blue, nitre bluing was historically seen on the small parts of handguns and long guns. Thirdly, you Q. Fume Bluing . The brilliant blue finish can be used on any type of metal Fire bluing or Nitre bluing is a traditional finish that gunsmiths and major firearms manufactures, used during the later part of the nineteenth century, and is an visually pleasing side effect of the heat treating process. 99 Niter and colour case. Will dipping it in the molten salts at 500-600 or so degrees mess with the temper of the barrel? 4140 data sheets show hardening temps starting at 400 degrees Jan 5, 2005 · I was going to purchase some Nitre Blue bluing salts from Brownells for nitre bluing damascus bolsters. I strongly suspect that Machine Bluing (aka Carbonia bluing) is basically a temper blue. 85. Site Help; Contact; 775-513-1058; Email us; My Account; Log In; DUE Jul 20, 2010 · The Nitre bluing method sounds interesting, cheap and simple. I almost always using molten nitre salts to temper springs, blue screws, sights, and temper back some internal parts like bridles. DuraBlue Nitre Aerosol Kit Spray On Nitre Bluing Get The Sought-After Look of Nitre Bluing. It is only sold in 10 lb containers and with the added cost of the haz shipping it takes the total to $65. A Fire Bluing or Nitre bluing neither needs a layer Of oil to preserve it. Can you help me? Gun finishes including: color case hardening, bluing, rust bluing, charcoal bluing, and nitre bluing. Niter bluing is one of the simplest of the tage of NitreBlue Bluing is more repeatable from part to part, and there is little or no danger of overheating the parts which can soften them past the minimum hardness needed for them to do their job. It is better than the course I went through at Gunsmithing School. We do not do full line gunsmithing, but some of the other services available are minor repairs, drill and tap for scope base mounting, installation of recoil pads and relining . :smile: But, 600 degrees? And I thought the 300 degree +/- was dangerous. Color Case Hardening. These salts are the color of cotton candy. This striking finish, though less durable than charcoal blue, was often used for small parts like screws, pins and triggers to add eye-catching accents on vintage firearms. Temp is about 290 deg f. however,someone not used to red hot industrial processes should be very wary. 33 oz) of manganese dioxide per pound of total nitrate). The blue shine is due to additional chemicals such as manganese that are added to the mix. But over time it wears off. Nitre bluing is a process for producing a colored patina on metal parts. DuraBlue Nitre Aerosol Kit Contains: One DuraBlue Nitre To answer your questions, nitre bluing changes the temper of the metal. I use lead or a small pan of brass chips and a propane torch. But even at that temperature it would take a 15 minute soak to temper a tiny spring. Summary Jul 22, 2016 · Nitre blue uses bluing salts that have been melted by heat (not a solution in water); the molten salts run up to 650 degrees F, which is enough to ruin most heat treatment. The blueing salts for black oxide blueing will be mostly sodium hydroxide (lye) and maybe some sodium Feb 18, 2019 · Nitre bluing is limited to small, non critical parts, heat bluing or tempering of springs. The first is nitre bluing done with potassium or sodium nitrate salt bath immersion. What is the formula for gun bluing hot caustic blueing for home-made. NITER BLUING SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO BLUE ANY CRITICAL PARTS OF A FIREARM IT MAY PULL THE HEAT TREATMENT OUT OF THE STEEL. very little outlay in materials and a low tech/low cost color option. The super clean parts to be blued are fixed in racks, the proper mixture of chemicals added, the parts are brought up to a specified temperature for a certain amount of time, after which they are done. of the nitre melt, different colors are easily achieved. Other means of identification Product code 082-090-019 Recommended use Metal finishing Dec 23, 2014 · Springfield Armory heated their niter bluing mixture to 800 degrees F. Original Pack hardening method using Bone Char. Nitre bluing is beyond the scope of this post as I mainly wanted to get the solution recipe and process out there. From my understanding they got away from this process sometime in 1911-1913 (someone please correct me if I am wrong). This process creates a marbling effect of blue hues on gun parts. That's it. Mar 4, 2025 · @cherokee2u - here is an article on the Turnbull Restoration website on the history and process of nitre bluing. It can be done but it's not very easy to get a uniform color, and it's too easy to go to far or not far enough and have to keep trying. Oct 9, 2014 · One of these is Nitre bluing. Ni Brownells Nitreblue~ Bluing Salts $ 66. By the early 1880s, Winchester was at a crossroads. with bluing salts, completely OUT of your bluing area. Jan 4, 2020 · I have been doing some Nitre Bluing for several different projects recently and heres a few pics. Larry Potterfield has an interesting video on this where he uses a Lee melting pot to create the 650 degree temps required. by raising or lowing the temp. Quote . com Additionally, we do offer Nitre Bluing on the pin end of your carbon steel thumb safety and slide stop for an additional cost for the complete look on your 1911. Other refinishing options include Nitre Bluing, gold plating small parts and gold, silver, white and red infill coloring for stamped characters and engraving. Steel will turn a rainbow of colors as it is heated and if you remove the heat at the right time, you can get a nice "electric" or "peacock" blue color, just like Nitre Bluing. May 10, 2020 · I always assumed it was some sort of chemical reaction but it just occurred to me that it is just a form of heat bluing, like nitre bluing and flame bluing (and bluing by dunking in molten lead). It creates an incredible look, especially if you do it for knives. You might as well be actually charcoal bluing the parts at that temperature and if they were going to say one thing and do another why not just save yourself some time and money and black oxide the parts at 295F and call it charcoal bluing. A pot of molten nitre blue salts is heated to a specific temperature and the parts are suspended in solution for a duration that is up to the user. Guaranteed accurate to ½" of 1%. It's odd because it's not a Sep 4, 2006 · Carbonia blueing, developed in the United States by the American Gas Furnace Co. Let’s take a deep dive into the origins, development, and legacy of this iconic metal finish—and perhaps uncover a few surprises along the way. Keep water well away from it. One of my daughters has a masters in chemical engineering, and works for ATK. Nitre bluing creates vibrant blue colors, but they are not always durable as charcoal bluing coloration. Jun 21, 2017 · Potassium Nitrate (commonly known as saltpeter) is the original and the real "chemical" to use. I've also tried commercial bluing preparations in little bottles and have failed to be impressed. “Nitre Bluing” is a highly decorative process in which parts are dipped in a solution heated to 600 degrees. And, unlike “home-brewed” nitre bluing baths, NitreBlue Bluing Salts are specifically blended for low melting point, stability through-out the entire temperature working range and little possibility of after-rust. It requires much smaller pots and the ability to heat the water mixture to 600°F. The melting point of solder is quite a bit higher than the bluing solution's max temperature so it is in no danger of melting rather it is chemically attacked by the solution and the solution will react with soft solder regardless of temperature, it does however work a heck of a lot quicker at the solution boiling point. Hermetically sealed. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Do you hand polish? Yes. ﾠ If you order the course "Sand Blasted" finish (like military Jun 27, 2013 · Nitre Bluing also referred to as fire bluing and heat bluing is nothing more than the oxidizing of the surface of steel rapidly due to the heating of the potassium nitrate. The mixture is heated to 310°C321°C and the parts are suspended in this solution with wire. But again, this might not matter in this particular discussion. job. The combined metal finishing experience of our gunsmiths is immeasurable, so you can be sure that your metal restoration project will be done right. Be sure to wear gloves and face shield, as just a bit of water will cause a violent reaction as this temperature. Sep 17, 2022 · Back in the day Springfield Armory used niter bluing for the small parts of the rifle to be blued. From hot caustic bluing to rust bluing, fume bluing, cold bluing, nitre bluing, […] The nitre bluing process (sometimes referred to as fire bluing, peacock bluing or niter bluing) is a gun metal finishing process involving a salt bath solution of sodium and potassium nitrates, heated to exact temperatures. Brownells has good information also. brownells. It also covers complete metal preparation. midwayusa. This process creates a stunning vibrant blue color, but is typically restricted for use on small parts as the finish isn’t as durable as other forms of bluing. If you want to be able to do professional firearms bluing watch the AGI Professional Hot Caustic Bluing course. Dec 7, 2017 · Nitre bluing is actually a form of steel tempering, as to where the later is more a staining technique. There are many methods you can use to blue the steel, including hot bluing, cold bluing, niter bluing, and so on. com Manufacturer information (641) 623-5401 INFOTRAC Aug 27, 2013 · Nitre blue is much beloved finish among those who appreciate artistry in firearms. In case the nitre bluing salts you were inquiring about were for regular hot salts or hot tank bluing, here is a recipe for homemade bluing salts. 99 Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue, Cold Bluing Solution, Gunsmithing Tools Maintenance Cleaning Supplies, Professional Grade, 4 Fl oz. The process is really quite simple: Heat the salts up to 570° F. Buy product. Hi, I am on the look out for bluing chemicals, details of chemical composition, process, suppliers and pricing details on polished steel parts. See the colors of the screws on this Colt: Jun 3, 2023 · Colt had its famous high polish bluing with nitre bluing of smaller components on its automatic pistols. This technique allows for the creation of vibrant and varied colors, ideal for artistic applications. sodium and potassium nitrate in varying proportions. Nitre blueing work is best performed by artists because that's what it is. Aluminum Oxide Blast (flat) Glass Bead Blast (matte) Sanded (various glosses) Buffed (high gloss) Apr 28, 2023 · Nitre blue is not a very wear resistant finish . In this way, you can get small The Revolutionary DuraBlue® Spray-On Bluing is now available in the Bad Ass formula for the most durable combination of looks and protection. Black oxide blueing and nitre blueing are working in two different ways. All "bluing" is really blacking. Here's some pics of my first attempt at Nitre bluing. Sep 9, 2023 · Nitre bluing and "hot" bluing (what we consider the "standard hot blue) are similar in one aspect, they each use a type of bluing salt, but that's where the similarities end. But if you can do it and do it well, it's hard to beat the finish on small parts. Real happy how well the slide stop post Jun 13, 2011 · Potassium nitrate is used in niter bluing. Some people have done nitre bluing using stump remover chemical from the Feb 22, 2010 · Ideal temperature range lets you come up to and hold the constant temperature required for Nitre Blue™ Bluing. A nitre bath does not have to run at the high end of the temperature range 650F to blue parts. The process is simple, and what you are getting is essentially a temper color. This article provides an in-depth overview of bluing stainless steel, including an explanation of the bluing process and the various types of bluing techniques commonly used. What is Nitre Bluing? The nitre bluing process (sometimes referred to as fire bluing, peacock bluing or niter bluing) is a gun metal finishing process involving a salt bath solution of sodium and potassium nitrates, heated to exact temperatures. The bluing of metal is an oxidation process. Hot rust bluing . Niter bluing can produce all shades between straw and Feb 14, 2012 · Chapter 6 – Nitre Bluing Nitre bluing is a hot blue (500-600 degrees F) process that I use to blue the grip screws and upper toggle pins. 22 rimfire Oct 27, 2023 · Most bluing is not meant to be a super protective coating. 1K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by Aug 23, 2014 · Nitre bluing is a 19th and 20th century thing and not authentic to most muzzleloaders. Feb 10, 2012 · Eddie Janis is the man when it comes to things Peacemakers these days. ? Sep 6, 2009 · Nitre bluing salts can be purchased from Brownells. The colors usually range from a straw yellow, to dark purples or robins egg blues. " But nitre bluing is capable of producing yell Feb 5, 2017 · Finally either I'm confused about nitre bluing or some other posters are. 7 out of 5 stars Some of the methods of include “Hot Caustic Salt”, ” Slow Rust”, “Express Rust” and Nitre bluing. Regards, Rishabh Kapoor - Delhi, India 2002. Oct 31, 2007 · One thing, depending on the elevation that you are blueing at, you may need to start at a lower temp. And while reading how to actually do it, I found out that the Nitre is more or less a heat transfer agent, and the process is very akin to flame bluing. I plan on buying one of those old star 9mm paras from sarco for my experiment, so I actually plan on trying different formulas and using muriatic acid to remove the blueing solution results until I find one that works on that particular type of steel. Niter bluing can produce all shades between straw and dark blue. Nitre bluing, caustic bluing, rust bluing all take a certain and varying amount of heat. Niter and colour case. Nitre bluing at 825F just to say its charcoal bluing seems like a waste of money in my opinion. Charcoal Bluing. I think blueing is about the same not 500-600. I'm please with how it looks. Salts heating up. ﾠ The durability of bluing depends on the roughness of metal surface. The brilliant blue finish can be used on any type of metal using the convenienct aerosol can. Mike Hunter www. It is not required, but gives that nice transparent blue color to those parts. Nitre bluing usually produces a wide range of colors like deep blue, purple, and even gold. Nov 7, 2022 · Nitre bluing is a method of hot blue that is more doable at home. Nitre bluing. We'll show you how to nitre blue your gun for a beautiful and durable finish. 453. ) It works, if you have the time. The mixture is heated to 310 to 321 °C (590 to 610 °F) and the parts are suspended in DuraBlue Nitre Aerosol Kit DuraBlue Nitre Aerosol Kit Spray On Nitre Bluing Get The Sought-After Look of Nitre Bluing Also known as Fire Blue, Nitre Bluing was historically seen on small parts of handguns and long guns. The mixture is heated to 310 to 321 °C (590 to 610 °F) and the parts are suspended in Fire bluing or Nitre bluing is a traditional finish that gunsmiths and major firearms manufactures, used during the later part of the nineteenth century, and is an visually pleasing side effect of the heat treating process. No, it is not very durable. They are usually less abrasion resistant than blacking and perforce are thinner to give the blue refraction. You see the transition from Pink powder to a yellow foamy liquid. College NRA Gunsmithing program. 200° F. That seems to pit a little, and takes a while. Jun 10, 2014 · Nitre bluing produces a peacock or electric blue color and is a nice contrast against a high polished black bluing job This is what I am talking about well I messed around with some different formulas and was able to get this: Nitre Bluing: At Lohman Gunsmith we generally nitre blue small parts like pins, screws, sights, thumb safetyand so on, but Nitre Bluing cannot be done on heat treated parts like springs, slides and receivers. Was hoping for something nicer than cold rust bluing with peroxide and salt. I am CHEAP! Besides that 10lbs would probably last me 2 lifetimes. 1cm). -----The bluing i was referring to (not what the OP Jan 13, 2012 · I have an old Marlin 60 that I messed with years ago with some cold bluing, but it's ugly. The expert gunsmiths at Parkwest Arms also offer gun restoration and gun refinishing services including rifle bluing that can restore the metal components of a firearm’s finish and elevate its appearance to heirloom levels. Our metalworking includes Color Case Hardening, Nitre Bluing, Rust Bluing, & Charcoal Bluing. Due to the high temperatures involved, around 600*F, this process isn’t for anything that retains heat-treating but yields a range of colors from gold to blue to black, depending on the time the parts spend in the solution. 2 mL) 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) 4. A nitre bluing bath can be used to temper steel at 650 degrees. Manganese Phosphate Parkerizing : Cera Kote . Nitre Blueing. This is why it is used on smaller parts like springs and screws. Dec 13, 2018 · How to Blue a Gun: Hot Bluing. Dip the parts in, watch for the […] Nitre Bluing – We high-polish the metal and hand blue the parts at very high temperatures. If you’ve read this far and thought “you’re just doing a glorified paint job, give us something challenging, well, try this on for size: the traditional nitre bluing method uses a bath of potassium nitrate crystals, heated past their melting point of 334 degrees celcius, to colour the steel. I say Nitre bluing. SPECS: 2" (5. Identification Product identifier NitreBlue (TM) Bluing Salts, 10 lbs. When I started blueing my father-in-law was a chemical engineer. Nitre bluing, the old books say ~600 to get a black blue, and the temps worked perfect for me. As the steel reaches high temperatures, the nitrates react with the surface, forming an oxide layer that results in a striking blue or purple finish. Nitre blue finishes benefit and are known for a high polish. 6445 michael@mikehunterrestorations. And,unlike “home-brewed”nitre bluing baths,NitreBlue Bluing Salts are specifically blended for low melting point, stability throughout Gun bluing methods include hot caustic bluing, rust bluing, nitre bluing and other methods. Also referred to as fire bluing, nitre blueing is a heat treatment process that involves heating steel in a bath of potassium nitrate and other salts. This brilliant blue finish can be used on any type of metal using an airbrush, spray gun, or Apr 9, 2016 · Got to playing with some nitre salts last night, did the grip screws, pins and the post ends of the slide stop and grip safety. A guy in Christiana did it for me after I did the prep and polishing. It works best on pins and screws because they’re subject to wear and movement. I want to blue my gun. You can prolong it's life by a lacquer coat or an oil coat. The temperature that you will likely find as best is in the range of 800 to 1000 degrees F. Black oxide is creating a layer of Fe3O4 on the surface of the steel. The nitre bluing process (sometimes referred to as fire bluing, peacock bluing or niter bluing) is a gun metal finishing process involving a salt bath solution of sodium and potassium nitrates, heated to exact temperatures. Aside from the salts (082-090-019WB), a casting thermometer or heat treating thermometer (084-069-225WB ) can be used to monitor the salt's temp. 304 stainless. If you just want to do tempering in the tank ( and things like marquenching) the tank can be stainless. dave . This technique is specifically utilized only on small parts, and serves as a traditional accent. You may have ruined the gun. 285 degrees F. To understand nitre bluing, you first have to understand that steel changes color depending on the temperature it reaches. A hot blue salt bath is about 285F to 292F - the lower temps are for higher altitudes. Feb 3, 2020 · Nitre bluing will not ruin the heat treatment on parts at the temperature and time it takes to blue a part. Bluing does NOT add metal to your gun like chrome plating does. He fire blued all of the screws plus the trigger and cylinder base pin and base pin latch screw and color case hardened the hammer as well. Mar 5, 2024 · The BROWNELLS Nitre Blue Bluing Salts offer a simple yet effective process to achieve a beautiful blue finish on gun parts and small pieces. Includes built in self-lubricating, self-etching, and extra anti-corrosion properties. Some are on free floating Ammo Supply Warehouse NITREBLUE~ BLUING SALTS [082090019] - WELCOME TO AMMO SUPPLY WAREHOUSE. can see how it's more purple than blue. NITRE BLUE™ BLUING Bluing can also be done by controlled heating of the part and Brownells NitreBlue is an example of this type of bluing. 99 Sep 19, 2011 · Niter bluing can only be done on small parts that don't need to be hardened. also be aware that any organic material submerged in the melt may explode and For this and other MidwayUSA videos visit the MidwayUSA Video Library: https://www. It is a very old process that was used frequently during the 19th century. ﾠ If you order our high gloss blue,ﾠ the surface is so smooth that it will wear through during field use faster than our normal bluing. I have a stainless Series 70/Mark IV Government Model that I had the small parts nitre blued. Nov 26, 2013 · Just to clear up a common misconception, hot blue does not melt solder. , is a machine blueing process, in which a gas furnace is used. There is also Parkerizing which gives the best protection of traditional metal finishes and is often recommended under many spray on finishes. As with other 19th Century technology, it is fairly easy to do for the advanced tinkerer. I thought nitre bluing involved immersing the gun in a liquid mix of potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate. These parts are generally polished to a mirror like sheen to greatly enhance the beauty. The niter bluing has also known as a fire bluing process that creates vibrant colors, but they’re not always durable. Lots of guys don’t know both those treatments are the protective, rust abating finish that will withstand a goodly it or wear. Nitre Blue “Nitre Bluing” is a highly decorative process in which parts are dipped in a solution heated to 600 degrees. Feb 27, 2018 · For avid collectors of antique firearms, nitre bluing represents not only an enduring finish but a vivid connection to an era when craftsmanship and aesthetics were as important as functionality. Again, nitre bluing is rather delicate. Duracoat : Metal Polishes. It is best to program the PID to heat the salt to 200F and then raise the temp to the desired bluing temp. Jun 19, 2006 · 4) Fill with bluing salts and power up. Mike Hunter 417. Bluing stainless steel is a popular process that enhances the appearance and durability of steel surfaces. Jan 23, 2023 · Fire bluing vs Nitre Bluing. Some of the finishes look like they could only be achieved by a mad scientist and his minions mixing chemicals in a secret lab complete with a Jacobs Ladder and some bubbling flasks. There I was professionally trained in Hot Caustic Bluing, Rust Bluing, Nitre Bluing, Parkerizing, Restorations, Vintage Metal Restoration. the colour is controlled as mentioned by temperature and composition. Rust Bluing. Nitre bluing is OK for small parts and the end result is the vivid purple/blues you see on 19th C Colt screws and small parts etc. in this thread in this sub-forum in the entire site Jan 4, 2020 · A nitre Bluing bath can be used to temper steel. It was used as a tempering process to draw back parts that had been case hardened, and it was used as a final finish on parts that would not see pressure. Simple Nitre Bluing tank. Be real careful that all parts are DRY -- and if it is hot and you are sweating, make sure a drop of sweat does not fall into the melted potassium nitrate. This brilliant blue finish can be used on any type of metal using an airbrush, spray gun, or the convenient aerosol can. to 1000° F. One of these is Nitre bluing. So, I turn to you my friends, do you know of any other source for it? Also, I understand that it could possibly affect the heat treatment, I was wondering if it is possible to heat treat the part after bluing At Turnbull your project is a true restoration, and not simply a re-finish. Sep 17, 2022 · Flame bluing is a rather "iffy" way of doing it since it's hard to get a uniform color over the part by using a torch. Nov 24, 2021 · Although perhaps making no difference in this thread’s discussion, nitre blueing is not exactly the same as “regular” blueing. Turn parts and small pieces a deep, rich, lustrous blue with a finish that’s tougher and prettier than most of the cold blues. As you can see, this is a very time consuming and expensive bluing process. Also, some parts may not be acceptable for Nitre Bluing. (118. qeebbw xwjjxvot iid njy dedqtlj mgk hzckv nbkuxkp shxp eqzkh