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.
3
Good product, bad seal
This is the best rust blue in my experience, but three out of four bottles leaked badly during shipping, losing about one fourth of each bottle.
3
Ehh...
I've used this product on several guns...and I've also used pilkingtons. Here are my results... 1. This solution is easier to use and works faster....it turns the metal a nice black color after oiling. 2. It is not, however, that durable. I've had customers come back after only a month with the bluing almost worn off. 4-6 applications...a beautiful finish...but the bluing comes off easy...that has never happened with pilkingtons. 3. It etches the metal very easily. Its somewhat difficult to get anything other than a dull finish.