Mark D's Luger Rust Blue Solution and Refinishing Tips Article

[Paladinpainter]

Mark, et al:
I've had a chance to blue 4 guns since Mark shared the secret of Sodium Nitrate: a modern S&W, a Bolo Mauser, a Remington 700 ( control), and a Winchester 1895.
For a solution, I used 2oz of Brownell's Rust Bluing with 40grams of sodium nitrate, applied with mops of paper towel, rusted in a humidity cabinet, boiled in distilled water, and carded on a .0004 inch stainless steel wheel
Here's what I found:
The Model 19 does indeed have some blue spectral high lights. For comparison, on the left is 1920s commercial, the S&W is in the middle, and a Pilkington's blued 1916 Erfurt. The pictures dont convey the colors very well, but the highlights of the S&W is closer to the commercial than the Erfurt.
The Bolo Mauser seemed to rust quickly in my humidity box, however the finish was kind of thin. After many trips to the cabinet, I had very rich blue/black finish with blue highlights.
At the same time I did the 'smith, I blued the Remington 700 with unadulterated Brownell's Rust Bluing as a control. It came out a deep satin black as I expected.
It was with the Winchester 1895 that the sodium nitrate really did its magic. There is no missing that the metal is a deep lusterous blue. As soon as I have a chance, I will post a photo comparison with a standard rust black finish.

John

[Paladinpainter]

Mark, et al:
Here are the pictures I promised. Of course, it doesnt show much, I probably should have gone outside. The sodium nitrate barrel is the one on the right/bottom. When you hold them, side by side, the silver/blue highllights are evident.

I stumbled across this photo of my sodium nitrate Bolo Mauser next to a full sized C96 blued with a standard rust blue. To my tired eyes, the Bolo is a lot bluer.

These results convince me that Mark has hit on a formula that works. Thanks you, Mark. From the color of the Model 19, the type of steel seems to make a difference in the nature of the blue. It suggests that each type of steel will blue best with a specific formulation.

So, what's going on here ? Without any education that would qualify me to venture an opinion, I agree that the addition of sodium nitrate creates a molecular structure that reflects light the blue part of the spectrum. I dont know why and I'm not sure I need to. I'm going to concentrate on getting consistent, predictable results.

Does any one have any Show and Tell to share ?

[Olle]

Originally Posted by Paladinpainter

So, what's going on here ? Without any education that would qualify me to venture an opinion, I agree that the addition of sodium nitrate creates a molecular structure that reflects light the blue part of the spectrum.

It's funky for sure, and sometimes you get the blue color with any bluing just because the quality of the steel. It's darn near impossible to capture the difference in a picture as well.

By the way: Where did you find the sodium nitrate? Was it in your "treasure trove" of chemicals, or do you have a good source where you can buy small amounts?