Bluing
- Thread starter SkytopBrewster
- Start date
Just using 5# Sodium Hydroxide + 2.5# KNO3 (any nitrate will work potassium or Sodium, don't use ammonium) per gallon of water, there are many recipies out there, some have a little Potassium Nitrite as well if you can actually find that. I have good results from 270-285 on most steels. You will go through a learning curve, be careful and wear your PPE. Stick your finger in that solution when it's boiling and you will see bone instantly 
Monitor your boiling point, if it boils too low just give it some time for the water to boil off and the boiling point will increase (be extremely carful adding water to hot solution) it will spatter at you like water in a deep fryer except this stuff will severely burn you even when it is cold, I use ice cubes when my boiling point starts to get too high, much safer. I made a trip stateside recently and got some extra's to throw in my bath. If you are serious give me a shout next month and I'll show you how it's done.
People look at you real funny when you go around asking for Nitrates, you need to find a source where you are not asking for Potassium Nitrate but getting Pure Potassium Nitrate if you know what I mean
Monitor your boiling point, if it boils too low just give it some time for the water to boil off and the boiling point will increase (be extremely carful adding water to hot solution) it will spatter at you like water in a deep fryer except this stuff will severely burn you even when it is cold, I use ice cubes when my boiling point starts to get too high, much safer. I made a trip stateside recently and got some extra's to throw in my bath. If you are serious give me a shout next month and I'll show you how it's done.People look at you real funny when you go around asking for Nitrates, you need to find a source where you are not asking for Potassium Nitrate but getting Pure Potassium Nitrate if you know what I mean
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Thanks for the info - every bit of practical information helps! If it can be arranged I sure would be interested in a "look see" next month! I'll keep in touch. Thanks. tpJust using 5# Sodium Hydroxide + 2.5# KNO3 (any nitrate will work potassium or Sodium, don't use ammonium) per gallon of water, there are many recipies out there, some have a little Potassium Nitrite as well if you can actually find that. I have good results from 270-285 on most steels. You will go through a learning curve, be careful and wear your PPE. Stick your finger in that solution when it's boiling and you will see bone instantly
People look at you real funny when you go around asking for Nitrates, you need to find a source where you are not asking for Potassium Nitrate but getting Pure Potassium Nitrate if you know what I mean
The AGI video with Gene Shuey is very good, they really try to sell the Brownells / Dulite salts which you don't need but the procedural and safety instructions are very indepth. That's basically how I learned along with a lot of other reading and research and trial/error. I was also very lucky as I was able to purchase a nice stand with 5 40" x 8'' x 6'' tanks and 3 burners from a CGN member in Drayton Valley for $350.
One other tidbit: Check every piece that you plan on bluing with a magnet! Anything aluminum will instantly disintegrate, plate your tank and ruin your bath.
One other tidbit: Check every piece that you plan on bluing with a magnet! Anything aluminum will instantly disintegrate, plate your tank and ruin your bath.
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I'm guessing it would be determined by what type of firearm it is & what type of finish you were looking for. I think most charge more for the higher degree of polish you would want (more work) Someone here who does it for a living will chime in but I would guess anywhere from 2-400.
