Rust blue removal

laxcoach

July 22, 2013 12:37

In the not-too-distant past someone posted a question about the above, and received several responses on a quick and easy method as to how to accomplish this. I've searched for the link and can't find it. Does anyone recall the post and/or have suggestions? I recall that one suggestion was to use some kind of vinegar.
I just purchased a boxlock that has had the receiver blued (should be case colored), and I want to strip it off---just to get rid of the blue but not prep it for a re-case.

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  Bill DeShivs

  July 22, 2013 13:23

  There are far better chemicals to remove bluing.
  Evap-o-Rust, Birchwood Casey Blue and rust remover are two.

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  navc130

  July 22, 2013 15:31

  Anything that contains acid will take bluing off. Naval Jelly works well, a boric acid solution, a muratic acid solution, vinegar. I have used all of them. The stronger the solution, the faster it acts. Acid also causes rust so the part must be scrubbed and flushed with water after the bluing is off.

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  victorj19

  July 22, 2013 15:53

  Naval Jelly +1

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  competentone

  July 22, 2013 16:37

  I've found this WD-40 product to be quite effective in the limited applications I've used it:
  
  http://wd40specialist.com/products/rust-remover/
  
  It's not advertised for bluing removal, but in my experience it will remove bluing.

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  Toolman286

  July 22, 2013 17:57

  I worked with a gunsmith for many years reblueing firearms. The secret to removing old blueing is Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner & OOOO steel wool. It removes the blueing like magic.

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  fordsix

  July 22, 2013 22:48

  phosphoric acid makes it disappear in seconds no scrubbing

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  laxcoach

  July 23, 2013 04:52

  Thanks to all.

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  Hawk Carse

  July 23, 2013 05:27

  quote:just to get rid of the blue but not prep it for a re-case.
  
  You are going to leave it naked steel?
  
  I have used a good deal of Evaporust on things like magazines and scope mounts salvaged after a house fire. It takes the rust and remaining blue off but leaves the steel a dull uneven gray color. It does not look like bare polished metal.
  
  My gunsmith uses Brownell's Steel White and parts come out similar to that.
  
  I tried vinegar, which is why I bought Evaporust, it did not work as well as I had expected from what I had read.

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  laxcoach

  July 23, 2013 06:41

  Yes, I plan to leave it worn looking. It appears to have some remaining case color under the blue, so maybe I'll get lucky.

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  asphalt cowboy

  July 23, 2013 08:22

  Since your intent is to leave the case color Brownells Steel White would be best.
  Anything caustic like vinegar or acid will remove the case color.
  Definitely Do Not scrub with anything harsher than burlap.
  Case color is delicate and right at the surface of the steel with no penetration.

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