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CLASSIC RUST BLUE

CLASSIC RUST BLUE Reviews & Ratings

Nothing adds the finishing touch of elegance and perfection to a fine firearm quite like the rich luster of a traditional rust blue finish. Nowadays, only a handful of master gunsmiths still practice the art of producing this fine, classic finish using proven recipes more than a century old. With our Classic Rust Blue, you too can achieve the “secret” rust blue so fitting when restoring older guns, especially soft-soldered double guns, or finishing modern, exhibition-grade custom pieces. Rust bluing doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment and is actually easier for the home gunsmith and hobbyist to do than modern hot-bluing processes, while producing a deep, brilliant, finish that will outlast many modern alternative finishes. The process is time consuming, but for a quality firearm, the results are well worth the investment of time and effort.

Like the tried and true originals, our authentic formula is a precisely balanced concentration of bluing salts and acids that require diligent metal preparation and multiple applications to achieve the truly stunning metal finish you expect from rust bluing. The rich, blue-black coloration is obtained by boiling the parts in water and rubbing them down with steel wool after each application of formula. Follow the included step-by-step instruction booklet to produce the exquisite, “into-the-metal” finish achieved by master gunmakers of the 19th century. SPECS: 4 fl. oz. (118ml) net contents; complete instructions included.
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Reviews Summary
Customers generally find Brownell's Classic Rust Blue effective for a beautiful finish with deep colors. Many appreciate its ease of use and affordability compared to competitors, although some report issues such as leaking during shipping and concerns about durability. Overall, it's favored for consistent results when applied correctly, provided users are patient and meticulous.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Product Effectiveness
75%
Many users rave about the effectiveness of Brownell's Classic Rust Blue, reporting excellent color results and a smooth, deep black finish after multiple applications. Reviews often note that it works well on various steel types and provides a professional look when instructions are followed carefully.
Ease of Use
65%
Numerous reviews highlight the ease of using Brownell's Rust Blue. Customers appreciate that the product can be applied without much prior experience and emphasize the importance of following instructions for best results. Patience in the process is often mentioned as crucial for achieving desired outcomes.
Affordability
60%
Reviewers frequently mention the cost-effectiveness of Brownell's product as a significant advantage compared to competitors such as Pilkington's, making it a popular choice for amateurs and professionals alike looking for quality bluing solutions without breaking the bank.
Durability Concerns
30%
Some reviews express concerns about the durability of the finish, with a few users reporting that the bluing wore off quicker than expected. While many achieve satisfactory results, there is a notable variance depending on steel type and application methods.
Shipping and Packaging Issues
15%
A few customers have reported problems with shipping and packaging, particularly broken bottles leading to product leaks. This has raised concerns about the importance of adequate shipping protection for ensuring safe delivery.
5
Perfect for my projects
I'm starting out and trying this for business purposes. I have the Great Model 8 Barrel Service Tool Co. The tools are made from 4140PH. Doing my testing and research, I diluted the solution 1:1 and it works beautifully with my home made damp box. I have used it straight out of the bottle on smaller parts and other mild steel, works like a charm. I recommend this to anyone trying out rust bluing. It's fun learning something new.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
An outstanding product...
I've been using Brownells Oxpho Blue Creme for bluing work...slides and even an entire pistol. It's the finest cold blue on the market but as with all cold blues...lacks durability compared to factory blue. I decided to up my game and try rust bluing...this is truly a superior product. It's not at all difficult to do but it is time consuming and you have to be meticulous in following the procedure. It does an incredible job of bluing. The first coat was a bit alarming to see all the rust forming...the instructions said it would...but following coats made for a beatify finish. I lost count of all the rounds I made of coating...boiling...carding...polishing with 0000 steel wool...but the end result was worth it. I followed it up with a slathering of Brownells Water Displacing Oil and let it cure for about 48 hours. I cannot recommend this product enough. If I can do it as ham handed as I can be then anyone should be able to.
Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend
5
rust blue
I have been using Pilkington's rust blue for years, but it has become hard to find, and rather expensive when it does come available. I decided to give Brownell's rust blue a chance and here is what I found. it is more aggressive than Pilkington's. I use a humidiy box, and you definitley do not need to let it rust as long. In fact I would recommend at half as long. It gives a better first rust to get things started out evenly, and works well throughout. Using a minimum of coats I got a rather black finish with a gray tone to it, but as I add coats it turns more black with a blue tint. Overall it is a good replacement and in many ways better than anything I have used in the past.
5
1911
Always good service with these folks have called them in the past about something 1911 talked with the gun tech and they treated me like they new me my whole life nice people so would I recommend yes sir
5
Rust blue
It’s my favorite bluing. Last a long time and the process is very simple. You can put it on blue that’s on the metal currently. You don’t have to polish the metal before the blue. You don’t have to work with creeping burning hot salt.
5
Classic Rust Blue
I have used the product exclusively for years now and found it to be easy to use, following instructions, with excellent results on most steel. Steel metallurgy is different in various steels. Some take bluing much more readily that others and that is a matter of the steel and not the bluing solution.
5
Great stuff
I needed some rust blue for a project, and after looking at reveiws I bought this because it was also in stock. I've used mark lee rust blue several times. This was about the same.....until I got to the 4th coating, and beyond. Gave an even dark blue that I could not attain with Lee. Brownells is now my go too rust blue!
5
Great Product
Follow the instructions and it works great. I've done a number of firearms and haven't had one over rust yet. I have found that seven applications tends to be enough to give professional look.
5
Easy to Use
Let me start off by saying that I am currently still using this product on my first rust bluing job (pistol). I am into my 5th application and I must say this so easy to use. Follow the directions and keep everything clean and you should have no issues. A carding brush is highly recommended for serrations and checkering, otherwise, fine steel wool that has been degreased works best.
5
Worth the Time
I had previously used a cold bluing product, with moderate results. I was talked into trying this by a gunsmith friend. I am very pleased with the results. It takes a while to gain the desired bluing, but is well worth the wait. Easy to use but requires multiple pieces of equipment to complete.