Pakerizing was a finishing process developed by the Parker Chemical Company. It involves either a zinc or manganese phospate finish. The surface to be parked is generally etched or grit blasted prior to the process. It is thought to be a better corrosion preventing finish that bluing. Because it is textured it is less reflective than bluing, and the surface can retain rust preventatives better. If a gun was blued prior to being parkerized, the bluing is destroyed in the process. The process involves cleaning and preparing the surface, insuring complete cleanliness, and the parts are then soaked in the heated solution. Neutralizing, washing and sealing follow. The process is very easy to do, with less equipment required than hot bluing. The colour can vary according to the alloy of the steel.
