Types of Rust Blue

The Virginian · 03-04-2005, 10:57 AM

What is the main difference in Rust Blues as there is slow rust bluing and Belgian "hot water" rust bluing? I have been told that slow rust bluing is darker and takes more time to do? How do they compare to each other in color and durability?

policeluger · 03-04-2005, 11:34 AM

In my experance, and I do both types in my shop, hot rust blue is more a "blue black" color and Belgian blue is a softer egg shell blue finish...I have never noticed a difference in durability....hope this helps

The Virginian · 03-04-2005, 04:57 PM

That is exactly the input I was looking for since each is touted as being beautiful and durable than hot salt bluing. I am going to try to use Belgian bluing on some Luger grip screws and a S&W 1905 that I am restoring.

Karl · 03-05-2005, 06:42 PM

Virginian,

FYI, I don't think Luger grip screws were ever rust blued. Earlier lugers (pre WWI to early 1936 S/42s I think) have fire blued grip screws. Later lugers have salt blued screws. Experts please correct me if this is incorrect. KFS

03-04-2005, 10:57 AM	#1
The Virginian User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Potomac Falls, Virginia USA Posts: 107 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Types of Rust Blue What is the main difference in Rust Blues as there is slow rust bluing and Belgian "hot water" rust bluing? I have been told that slow rust bluing is darker and takes more time to do? How do they compare to each other in color and durability? __________________ All my C&R guns are shooters

03-04-2005, 04:57 PM	#3
The Virginian User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Potomac Falls, Virginia USA Posts: 107 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	That is exactly the input I was looking for since each is touted as being beautiful and durable than hot salt bluing. I am going to try to use Belgian bluing on some Luger grip screws and a S&W 1905 that I am restoring. __________________ All my C&R guns are shooters

03-04-2005, 11:34 AM	#2
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	In my experance, and I do both types in my shop, hot rust blue is more a "blue black" color and Belgian blue is a softer egg shell blue finish...I have never noticed a difference in durability....hope this helps

03-05-2005, 06:42 PM	#4
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Virginian, FYI, I don't think Luger grip screws were ever rust blued. Earlier lugers (pre WWI to early 1936 S/42s I think) have fire blued grip screws. Later lugers have salt blued screws. Experts please correct me if this is incorrect. KFS