Removing Dip-Blue Coating . . . Possible?
 

The Finnish Lugers I have seen (admittedly only a few) have all been dip-blued and have a thick coating of this material over the original rust blue.

In some cases I suspect the rust blue underneath, worn though it might be, would look better.

Is there any chemical method of stripping the dip-blue coating from the rust blue without removing the original finish? Any other method?

Thanks,
Luke

Orv Reichert uses 0000 or 00000 steel wool and a light gun oil. Wiping every so often with kleenex to see if it is coming off. He wraps steel wool around Q-Tips to get in the corners.

Ron

Luke,

Are you sure that you are not seeing a phosphated (like Parkerized) finish? My understanding is that this is a Finnish maintenance finish.

--Dwight

Dwight -

It could be phosphated; I can't tell for sure. Whatever the coating, it is dull, thick, and easily scratched. The Tikkakoski barrel appears to be a bright salt blue; the toggle train is the original DWM rust blue; while the receiver, side plate, and frame have this thick coating.

Luke

Altho I have no personal experience in this, I have been told that application of carbureator cleaner will remove this stuff.

Tom A

I can strongly recommend a tube of "Gun Brite Polish" put out by an outfit called Iosso Marine Produicts. Picked up this stuff at a gun show several years back and used it on a couple of P-38's the Russians had dip blued. Took the junk right off leaving the original finish untouched and in great condition. Comes in a camoflaged colored tube. Don't know if it's available outside of gun shows or not. Firm is located in Elk Grove Village, Il. Phone # 708/437-8400 according to the info on the tube and if they're still in business.

Luke,

Isn't one of the unique features of the Finnsih lugers their finish ?

Not sure why you would consider removing it...???

Pete -

That is news to me, but I only recent became interested in Finnish Lugers and, more importantly, Finnish history. Fascinating stuff.

I only have two of these with two more on the way, and I did suspect that all these Lugers were covered with this material. However, I was not aware that the coating was an important feature. Maybe I should reconsider.

Luke

Luke,

Perhaps not 'important' per se, but perhaps authentic. Going slow with this I think is wise, it will be interesting to see what conclusions you come to in this regard as you examine more of these Lugers.

--Dwight