How to distress new blueing to look old?

[pps]

Not Ruger specific here, but I purchased a new forearm retainer (with sling swivel) to replace the old one....on a Marlin 336 1947 vintage. The new part has new bluing and I'd like to distress it to make it look like the blue has "worn off" ( I'm not throwing out old retainer, as it's bluing matches the rest of the gun....it's a shooter, not a collector....I don't plan on ever selling)

I was thinking of soaking the part in Hoppes or flat out soaking in amonia, then polishing with some fine steel wool for desired effect. What do the gunsmithing gurus say? If I screw it up, it's just one cheap part.

 

[flatgate]

Common household Vinegar is a mild acid that will remove bluing if left to soak for a while. I would imagine a bit of Vinegar on a paper towel would "distress" your new part if used sparingly and rather quickly. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry immediately. If it looks like you intended then remember to keep the "non-protected with bluing" parts dry and oiled.

JMHO and YMMV!!!!!!!!!

flatgate

 

[Snake45]

You could also try rubbing with a Scotchbrite pad in a fine grade. Unlike steel wool, Scotchbrite WILL remove bluing (please don't aske me how I know this). Experiment with it a little on a hidden area, and you might be able to get more of a look of the bluing having "worn" away rather than having been "removed."

I imagine you're looking to maybe knock the bluing off the sharp or raised edges, corners, and so forth?

 

[slofyr]

The trick is to age it without scratching or creating clouds. If you have a buffer, try a stiff [clean] cotton wheel. Using an oiled cotton wheel on new bluing will give it a deep glow, but a dry wheel can duplicate holster wear.

 

[G2]

Get a YELLOW Lead Away Cloth it will take the blue away in a very controled way.
When you got it just the way you want it, give it a very hot water bath and then oil it.

This stuff works wonders on cleaning up stainless guns and will remove blue like no other, So when your done make sure you put it away from your blue guns.

 

[pps]

Excellent advise guys! Thanks

 

[rugerguy]

...........burlap, and wipe away....... :roll:


stay away from ANY solvents or chemicals you will ONLY remove the bluing :wink: (and faster than you can control it......) 8)

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Get a YELLOW Lead Away Cloth it will take the blue away in a very controled way.
When you got it just the way you want it, give it a very hot water bath and then oil it.

This stuff works wonders on cleaning up stainless guns and will remove blue like no other, So when your done make sure you put it away from your blue guns.

Be sure to keep that cloth (and it's film on your fingers) away from any casehardened finish that may be on your gun, it will remove that also.

 

[Pinecone]

+ 1 with rugerguy! The burlap works great and is not so abrasive that it takes the blue off too fast. You can blend the blue very nice with this method. Personally, I like to wear the blue off guns by using/shooting them a "long" time!.....................Dick :wink:

 

[flatgate]

Me? I get my worn guns reblued!

This one now has a "new lease on life".......

flatgate

 

[jd8888]

Get a YELLOW Lead Away Cloth it will take the blue away in a very controled way.
When you got it just the way you want it, give it a very hot water bath and then oil it.

This stuff works wonders on cleaning up stainless guns and will remove blue like no other, So when your done make sure you put it away from your blue guns.

This works wonders!! I loved the way it turned out (before/after comparison - see photo attached)

 

[Bill.68]

Try Flitz and then a lead away cloth

 

[Cholo]

I think he should have it finished by now figuring almost 12 years have passed. Then again, maybe he's someone who really likes taking his time LOL

 

[rugerguy]

...yes, by NOW time itself will have done its own 'magic' and make it "fade".....:rolleyes:

 

[Johnny-Baseball]

I like a rugged, patina appearance on my pickup, but I don't use a hammer and sandpaper to get it. Time, time, time...what has become of me.