Can you "buff" gloss blued finish with 0000 steel wool?

SunnySlopes · Jan 17, 2012

I've got some scratches/rubs on a couple of firearms, a Colt Python (on the sight rib) and on a Browning falling block barrel. The Colt barrel rib is a satin finish. The Browning is a high gloss finish.

I'm touching up some scratches/rubs with oxpho blue. The instructions say to rub it down (after application) with 0000 steel wool.

Really? You can do that?

natman · Jan 17, 2012

Yes. It helps even out the cold blue. Be sure to use 0000 steel wool and soak the piece of wool in Gunscrubber to degrease it first. Rub gently.

SunnySlopes · Jan 17, 2012

Soak the steel wool in gunscrubber? To degrease the steel wool?

Waywatcher · Jan 17, 2012

Touching up a Colt Python!? What!?

I don't think I'd do that, even if someone tried to pay me to do it.

788Ham · Jan 17, 2012

NO, NO, NO on the steel wool on that Python! You'll have the bluing clean off of it, then you're hosed! I don't know about the Oxpho blue either, best leave it alone. My opinions only!

jimmyraythomason · Jan 17, 2012

I would not be afraid of well oiled 0000 steel on blued metal. It will not hurt good bluing. I would not,however,use cold blue of any type,kind or brand on an original Colt Python. The normal wear is preferrable to any touch up work. If it needs a refinish,let Colt do it or Ford's or someone who specializes (iow,can duplicate the original) in Colt finishes.

MtnSpur · Jan 17, 2012

Gently put the Python down and back away from it slowly. If that Colt needs a refinish that bad let the experts at Colt do it. A Python with honest wear isn't a bad thing.

Mizar · Jan 17, 2012

Bluing is harder than steel, but it's a very thin layer. As long as he is following Natman's advice and not over doing it he will be OK.

Boris

natman · Jan 17, 2012

SunnySlopes said:
Soak the steel wool in gunscrubber? To degrease the steel wool?

Yep. Steel wool is often lightly oiled to keep it from rusting. The oil can interfere with applying cold blue.

To those of you who objected to putting cold blue on a Python, I agree with you, but the OP was very specific that he was touching up some scratches on the matte sight rib.

"a Colt Python (on the sight rib)"
"The Colt barrel rib is a satin finish"

rcmodel · Jan 17, 2012

You do not Have to use steel wool with Oxpho-Blue.

For touch-ups like the OP ask about, I put it on with a Q-Tip and wipe it off with a dry clean rag.

Repeat as necessary, then oil.

rc

Can you "buff" gloss blued finish with 0000 steel wool?

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