can you blue over stainless steel?

Test Pattern

Test Pattern

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Eagle's Nest
Just wondering if anyone can tell me if you can blue stainless steel parts? I'm not sure if the bluing will adhere to stainless. Anyone know?

thanks
 
No, you cannot blue stainless steel. I am not quite sure why it will not stick to the surface. I think it is either because stainless is a closed pore material or because of the nickel content.

Unfortunately stainless steel is a material that I do not get to machine very much anymore and my machinery handbook is at work so I cannot look up the information for you. My knowledge here is iffy at best. Of course, some would say my knowledge in general is that way but I continue to learn. :D

Ripstop
 
Stainless CAN be chemically blackened the same as Chrome Moly can be, it is not a blue color, but black. Trying to polish a stainless barrel is more tricky the a CM barrel, but can be done. I blacken stainless barrels and actions regularly, usually in a matte black finish. The process is identical to blueing , just different salts are used. This chemical process has the advantages of blued CM steel in as far as not peeling or chipping like many of the coatings do. It does scratch and marr EXACTLY the same as a blued CM part will. :mrgreen:
 
The process is identical to blueing , just different salts are used.
Click to expand...
That's very interesting. I know of techniques where you heat the metal and thrust it into salts or oil to blacken, but didn't know of the process you describe. Now I'm itching to get back to work to read up on metal colouration.

Ripstop
 
Ripstop The salts are different, and the temperature of the bath is slightly lower than regular blueing, the prep, and baths are the same as is the oil bath afterwards.
I am very impressed with the results, I use the same salts for old Winchesters that are a ##### to blue as well. :mrgreen:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom