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OXPHO-BLUE® Reviews & Ratings

Originally developed for the occasional bluer who is not equipped to completely polish a gun prior to bluing, Oxpho Blue - because of its ease of application and remarkably superior results - has become a favorite of the professional gunsmith as well. With Oxpho-Blue, all you need do in most cases, is dampen a piece of cotton flannel and give the area a good rubbing. The chemical goes through the oil on the gun, removes thin rust and blues the steel underneath. No after-rust. For looks, the final finish was not intended to approach the beauty of the well-polished, hot-blued gun. It has developed, however, that in the hands of a careful craftsman, not only is the Oxpho-Blue finish beautiful, but it is also more durable and weather resistant than any other known chemical finish. Oxpho-Blue has other outstanding features worthy of note:

Absolutely no after-rust.
Phosphate-like surface forms under the blue.
Rust removing qualities of the solution, making it unnecessary to remove mild rust in the usual manner.
"Wetting" characteristics of the solution, giving it the ability to penetrate oil, dirt, etc., on the surface of the gun; blue the metal underneath; remove rust and dirt; leave the gun blued and ready for oiling.
Beauty and high durability of the finish: vigorous rubbing with No. 0 steel wool is one of our favorite application methods - the more rubbing, the more brilliant it comes and, since abrasion is part of the process, normal contact from gun cases, brush and clothing won't wear your bluing. (Note: It is possible to get a surface so dense with Oxpho-Blue that water will puddle on it!)
For Neighbor Kid and Mr. Average Sportsman, a beat-up gun can be made to look quite presentable by following this recent application technique; dampen a shoe shine cloth with Oxpho-Blue and blue the gun with a shoe shine motion - without taking too much trouble to remove old dirt, grease, rust, etc. This particular gimmick actually obsoletes all other kinds of bluing for retail sale, for any youngster can make his old man's gun look quite presentable. For gun club members, neighborhood shooters, etc., one bottle takes care of the lot. (The rub-on features works wonders on tools and instruments which have been blackened and show bright along the edges: just dampen a cloth with Oxpho-Blue, rub the bright areas briskly and they are as black as before, but tougher.)

SPECS: 4 fl. oz. (118ml), or 32 fl. oz.

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Reviews Summary

Overall, customers are very impressed with OXPHO-BLUE® for its effectiveness and ease of use in cold bluing, yielding professional-quality finishes even for beginners. While many praise its reliability and helpful results, a few express disappointment with a recent formula change affecting consistency. However, the positives overwhelmingly dominate the feedback.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Effectiveness and Quality

85%

The product is consistently described as highly effective, with many users reporting impressive, professional-quality results. Customers find that OXPHO-BLUE® restores or enhances the appearance of firearms and other metal items, producing a deep, rich finish that rivals factory bluing.

Ease of Use

72%

Reviewers frequently mention the product's user-friendly application process, noting that it is suitable for both novices and experienced users. Many appreciate the straightforward instructions and the quick results, making it an attractive option for touch-ups or complete refinishing.

Preparation Is Key

60%

Numerous users emphasize the importance of properly preparing the metal surfaces before application. Effective cleaning and degreasing are mentioned as crucial steps that significantly impact the final results, highlighting the product's need for careful prep work.

Concerns About Formula Changes

20%

A smaller group of reviewers indicates they have noticed variability with the current formula, leading to lighter or less smooth finishes compared to previous experiences. While not widespread, this concern suggests that some customers feel that quality may be inconsistent with newer batches.

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Simply put.. it just works.

I recently completed a project to replace the alloy grip frame on my Ruger 3 screw old model Blackhawk by fitting it with a new in-the-white steel grip frame for a Ruger Old Army. After attempting to rust blue the new frame, I was really unhappy with the results... a muted blue with detectable surface etching. I sanded down to bare metal and re-polished the frame. I had read about Oxpho Blue being used as an alternative to hot bluing and rust bluing, so I decided to give it a try. My results are simply spectacular, a deep black/blue that rivals a hot blue. I think employing some of the same techniques used in rust bluing enhanced the results I obtained with Oxpho Blue. Surface prep is the key. The polished grip frame got a thorough scrubbing with full strength Simple Green, and an a bath in very hot (almost boiling) water. When thoroughly dry it left the metal completely devoid of any oil. I applied the Oxpho Blue while the metal was still warm/hot to the touch using a combination of wet (but not dripping) cotton balls and Oxpho Blue dipped #00 steel wool. Once the Oxpho Blue dries and the surface looks muddy and dry, the grip frame got a trip back into the hot water (like rust bluing) for about a minute and then left to completely air dry. I carded off the scale using the stainless wire carding brushes and wheel sold by Brownells, and repeated the entire process 4 or 5 times until I got the depth of color I wanted. I then oiled the part and left it to "cure" over night. Time will tell how durable the finish will be but compared to my other experiences with "cold" blue, Oxpho Blue has a different "feel" and look to it that makes me feel that it will outlast the results of any bottled bluing solution

unbeatable

I have used 6-7 different cold blue products, liquids, pastes, the types you apply or have to immerse. I have done some hot blue-ing as well. In short, Oxpho-Blue is all I use now. Only hot/rust bluing can beat it in durability. Finish tends to look a bit too bluish at first, but it grows much darker after a few days.

The Best Blue

Was having trouble rebluing a 1930's Western Feild. So I tryed Oxpho Blue. It is amazing. This is the only cold blue I will ever use again. I cant wait to see the the end user face when he see's it. Soooooo easy to use. No recleaning and prep every coat. I can find nothing bad about it.

Works like none other

I used it to reblue a friends old Montgomery Ward single shot shotgun and my ak-47. It looks great and it was easy as pie to put on

THIS IS GOOD STUFF

If you prep your metal correctly, this stuff will give you a beautiful bluing job. And you can't tell the difference from a hot blue job or this stuff. I have done several entire guns and people are amazed on how good it looks. Of course it is a little more time consuming but a small price to pay. One key is to practice on scrap steel until you get your technic down and after that you will be doing great bluing jobs.

Top of the line product!

I don't know why the the 4oz bottle got a lower rating than the rest of them, I hope this doesn't confuse anybody. No, it's not a hot blue fine finish- but I'm among many others who believe this to be the best cold blue/touch up available.

Works well

Easy to use, applies smoothly, works as described. My only disappointment is that despite many applications it does not quite match the original finish on the Springfield Mil-Spec 1911.

by JAMES A. on January 07, 2026

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Patience: Be prepared to repeat a LOT.

I recently restored a S&W Model 36 with Oxpho-Blue. It was pre-suffix with a pinned barrel, but that's no guarantee of an all steel frame. It's possible it is an alloy, but is definitely at least partially steel in the alloy. The compound eventually makes a reasonable bluing, but it required dozens of wettings and steel wool polishings and quite a bit of carding as well to achieve that reasonable level of bluing. PRO: the bluing is noticeably better than compounds like Birchwood-Casey. CON: It takes a lot longer and a lot more elbow grease to achieve this result.

works with certain procedure

In Alabama humidity, if I paint this on and let it dry, it leaves some red after-rust. However, it comes out great if I paint it on, then wipe dry a few seconds later. This can be done several times. Then I end with a rust preventative oil like WD-40 Specialist.

great results on my old Model 10 S&W

I used the creme version on a model 10-10 LE trade in that had an abused finish especially on the cylinder. I cleaned off the oil with alcohol and heated with a hair dryer although not necessary. After the first application I saw good results and applied several applications buffing with 0 steel wool in between until I got the desired coverage. Look at the before and after pics of the cylinder and you be the judge. I also did the top of the strap that was bare steel from holster wear and was causing a glare when trying to aim. I compared the Oxpho blued cylinder with a 10-14 with original finish side by side and I can't see the difference. I would have given it a 5 star rating but I can't judge durability yet.