New rust blue product

applestrudel · 07-29-2016, 06:39 PM

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with this product? http://www.rustblue.com/shop/bluing/rust-blue-german/
They have several formulas that supposedly mimic German or Swiss rust blue finishes. I have a (badly) refinished Brazilian Luger that I am wanting to refinish I have used the brownells and laurel mountain products on projects in the past and have gotten good results but would like a more authentic finish. Thoughts?

Ron Wood · 07-29-2016, 08:00 PM

Not familiar with the product, but if it lives up to the ad that would be super! I know that some folks have experimented with off the shelf rust blue solutions and one individual recommended adding a small amount of potassium nitrate to give a more blue rather than black sheen. Don't know if that works. If you get this stuff and use it on your Luger, we would really like to see how it turns out!
Thanks,
Ron

applestrudel · 08-02-2016, 06:10 AM

I've read those posts they do seem to have good results with the added components. I'll probably do a practice run on a less valuable pistol that I care less about I've been keeping a llama for situations like this I'll post my results!

DonVoigt · 08-02-2016, 09:12 AM

Here is Hervey Lovell's formula from my 1938 copy of "Elemental Gunsmithing":
Bichloride of mercury- 1 oz.
Potassium Chlorate- 1 oz.
Potassium Nitrate- 1oz.
Spirits nitre- 1.5 oz.
Distilled water- 1 pint

"for less than $1" in 1938.

Researching the modern name of Spirits nitre is up to you.

Since the product you have is pretty certain to have potassium nitrate in it already, adding more should not cause a disaster, JMHO.

Buying any chemicals today will likely be an exercise in frustration; all the "good stuff" has been removed from kid's chemistry sets!

Ben M. · 08-02-2016, 11:57 AM

sweet spirits of nitre

http://www.finishing.com/324/13.shtml

stories about pee problems?

Vlim · 08-02-2016, 12:57 PM

Found this reference to German arsenal bluing in a 1936 book called 'Firearm blueing & browning' by R.H. Angier.

DonVoigt · 08-02-2016, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben M.

sweet spirits of nitre

http://www.finishing.com/324/13.shtml

stories about pee problems?

The recipe does Not call for sweet sprits of nitre- but "spirits of nitre"; two way different chemicals!

Olle · 08-02-2016, 09:11 PM

Those old formulas are like "eye of newt, and toe of frog, wool of bat, and tongue of dog"

I just emailed the rust blue guy with some questions, and I might actually try his products. I'll post a report if I do.

Douglas Jr. · 09-03-2016, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by applestrudel

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with this product? http://www.rustblue.com/shop/bluing/rust-blue-german/
They have several formulas that supposedly mimic German or Swiss rust blue finishes. I have a (badly) refinished Brazilian Luger that I am wanting to refinish I have used the brownells and laurel mountain products on projects in the past and have gotten good results but would like a more authentic finish. Thoughts?

Not related to your question, but I collect serial numbers for my study on Brazilian Luger. Would you mind to share the serial number of your pistols and if it is matching number?
Thank you!

applestrudel · 09-03-2016, 09:18 PM

I'll send it to you next time I make it home As I'm at school currently.

In regards to the rust blue I ordered a bottle of both the German and Swiss formulas and will post pics when I get a piece blued

07-29-2016, 06:39 PM	#1
applestrudel User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 11 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	New rust blue product I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with this product? http://www.rustblue.com/shop/bluing/rust-blue-german/ They have several formulas that supposedly mimic German or Swiss rust blue finishes. I have a (badly) refinished Brazilian Luger that I am wanting to refinish I have used the brownells and laurel mountain products on projects in the past and have gotten good results but would like a more authentic finish. Thoughts?

07-29-2016, 08:00 PM	#2
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,020 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,174 Times in 1,701 Posts	Not familiar with the product, but if it lives up to the ad that would be super! I know that some folks have experimented with off the shelf rust blue solutions and one individual recommended adding a small amount of potassium nitrate to give a more blue rather than black sheen. Don't know if that works. If you get this stuff and use it on your Luger, we would really like to see how it turns out! Thanks, Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

08-02-2016, 09:12 AM	#4
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	Here is Hervey Lovell's formula from my 1938 copy of "Elemental Gunsmithing": Bichloride of mercury- 1 oz. Potassium Chlorate- 1 oz. Potassium Nitrate- 1oz. Spirits nitre- 1.5 oz. Distilled water- 1 pint "for less than $1" in 1938. Researching the modern name of Spirits nitre is up to you. Since the product you have is pretty certain to have potassium nitrate in it already, adding more should not cause a disaster, JMHO. Buying any chemicals today will likely be an exercise in frustration; all the "good stuff" has been removed from kid's chemistry sets! __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

08-02-2016, 12:57 PM	#6
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	Found this reference to German arsenal bluing in a 1936 book called 'Firearm blueing & browning' by R.H. Angier. Attached Thumbnails

08-02-2016, 09:11 PM	#8
Olle User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,149 Thanks: 159 Thanked 663 Times in 318 Posts	Those old formulas are like "eye of newt, and toe of frog, wool of bat, and tongue of dog" I just emailed the rust blue guy with some questions, and I might actually try his products. I'll post a report if I do. __________________ Deer Hollow Enterprises, LLC Gun repair and restoration

08-02-2016, 06:10 AM	#3
applestrudel User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 11 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I've read those posts they do seem to have good results with the added components. I'll probably do a practice run on a less valuable pistol that I care less about I've been keeping a llama for situations like this I'll post my results!

08-02-2016, 11:57 AM	#5
Ben M. User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Retired to Naples, FL. Posts: 488 Thanks: 90 Thanked 123 Times in 83 Posts	sweet spirits of nitre http://www.finishing.com/324/13.shtml stories about pee problems?

09-03-2016, 09:18 PM	#10
applestrudel User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 11 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'll send it to you next time I make it home As I'm at school currently. In regards to the rust blue I ordered a bottle of both the German and Swiss formulas and will post pics when I get a piece blued