EXPRESS BROWN #2 Reviews & Ratings

No damp cabinets or long rusting periods required to get top-quality, good-looking browns. Heat gun or part to 150°-200° F. with propane torch; swab on solution, and card with soft wire wheel or fine steel wool. Repeat the application of solution and carding until color wanted is achieved. Brown #2 gives excellent brown and does not require to be boiled in water for a beautiful brown finish. You can boil it if you would like for very dark brown almost black color. Complete instructions are included.

SPECS: 4 oz. (118.2ml) and 16 oz. (473ml) net contents bottles. Detailed instructions.

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1 Stars

Reviews Summary

Customers generally appreciate the EXPRESS BROWN #2 for its effectiveness in giving a pleasing finish to firearms. Many mention that following the instructions closely leads to great results, achieving a durable and complex color. However, some users note challenges in application and maintaining an even finish, cautioning that it may not be ideal for beginners.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Product Effectiveness

70%

Many reviewers express satisfaction with how well the EXPRESS BROWN #2 works, noting that it produces a beautiful, durable finish when used correctly. Users commend the results, likening them to professional outcomes, especially when the instructions are followed closely.

Ease of Use

55%

While some find the product easy to use, others report difficulties, especially with achieving an even color. Several reviews suggest that patience and careful application are essential for successful results, making it potentially challenging for first-time users.

Instructions and Techniques

65%

Following the provided instructions is a common theme among positive reviews. Users who adhere to the recommended techniques generally achieve better results, indicating that preparation and method are crucial to the application process.

Durability of Finish

45%

Several reviewers mention that the finish appears durable, comparing it favorably to more traditional methods like hot tank blueing. However, some express concern about the wear over time, suggesting that long-term durability is still to be monitored.

Beginner Friendliness

40%

Feedback indicates that the product may not be suitable for novice users, as many find it requires a certain level of skill and experience to achieve desired outcomes. This theme points to the need for caution among beginners.

Finishing Time and Effort

50%

Reviewers frequently mention the time-consuming nature of applying the product effectively. Although the results are satisfying, many indicate that achieving a perfect finish requires multiple coats and considerable effort, indicating that users should be prepared for a significant time investment.

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Great product.

I used this to brown a muzzleloader barrel following the directions and it came out great! Really easy to apply after heating the barrel to 200 degrees with a heat gun and 6 coats later it was perfect.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by TIM B. on August 31, 2026

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Express #2

Between the #2 and plumb brown, this seems to give me the best results across a wider range of metal types. Current project is a Caplock conversion from 1800’s, the plumb brown just wouldn’t Brown some portions, the express Brown got-er-done

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by MICHAEL B. on June 16, 2026

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Best hot brown

Years ago I found Mark Lee's hot brown, and blue. They do a much nicer job than the "more Popular" brand! And it is nice to be able to buy it in the large, economy size!

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by JOHN B. on April 16, 2026

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Mark lee express brown

Works as it should for a great look when browning out a barrel

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by Jason M. on July 17, 2024

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Worked Very Well

I purchased this product a few years ago after watching a how to video on the internet. This product was used in conjuncton with (Oxpho-blu) best I recall, to do a small refinish job. I tried the recommended procedures from the video, but the results were not great. This was a touch up project I attempted. Fast forward to now. I picked up a used Kel tec P32 recently, which was carried quite a bit and fired little. The blue on the slide was worn so I decided to touch it up; the touch up with Oxpho was not satisfactory to my needs. This suff was on the bench, so I did some research on the web again and decided to try Express Brown, BUT this time I downloaded the manufacturer's procedures and followed them very closely. Since I do not have blasting equipment I first soaked the slide In Evapo Rust Remover for a few hours to remove the original blue. Next I scrubbed the part with a brass brush and Hornady gun degreaser. Finally I applied the Express Brown as per the detailed instructions, and the procedure went just as the document described. Carding the nooks and crannies of this slide was difficult so I used a dremel at the LOWEST speed with wire brush tool heads along with nylon heads, this worked great in the slide serrations and on the inside of the slide. After the part got as dark as I wanted it (which was dark!) I boiled it in water for 10 minutes, then placed it into a baking soda bath. Last step was to coat with grease and let set for 24 hours. I am very please with the result, granted this is not a high quality Colt Python, but I think the finish is better than factory. I do not know how durable it is yet, time will tell. For me, carding was the hardest part of the procedure, until I became more experienced and when I went to the dremel tool, using caution. Again, FOLLOW the INSTRUCTIONS put out by Express Brown for best results.

Mark Lee Express Brown #2

First time user of this product and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome! I simply followed the instructions provided...and after 3 coats, the finished result was a deep (streak-free) brown color that looks like I had taken my rifle to a professional! I HIGHLY recommend this product to every novice out there, who is looking to refinish their firearm!

GREAT PRODUCT

Product did exactly what I wanted and as described. A little time consuming to get the results you want, but patience is the key for a great looking finish. Finished off with OXPHO-BLUE for best results.

Gunsmith, Colville WA

This gave me exactly the color I wanted. Easy to use. Seems as durable as the hot tank blueing I do. Bead blasted to bare metal, degreased with acetone, heated with a propane torch to approximately 150*, applyed the solution with cotton balls in long smooth even strokes. The rust develops almost instantly. Gently card with 0000 steel wool and do it all again until you get the color you want. I am very happy with the results and ease of use.

revolver

I tried duracoat, it eventually rubbed off. I glass media blasted to "in-the-white". And kept oiled for a few months. Everyday carry. This product is awesome. It looks new, it's durable. No ceramic coating can compare!!

Easy and Durable Gun Blue

I do quite a bit of bluing for customers, this is by far the easiest Blue I have used yet. Much quicker than Rust Blue and seems to be very durable. Some folks just want an Old Timey Rust Blue job, some just want a good durable blue job on the gun. I have done several with this solution. An old double barrel that I left a bronzy finish on the barrels and dark brown on the side plates and tang., and a 22 that I made jet black. Works for me and is cheaper to do.