Which solvents are bad for blueing?

[Croyance]

I have heard that Hoppes #9, my normal solvent, is bad for nickel finishes. Good thing I read the boards, because I am looking at a nickeled gun and asked the clerk. No such info from him.
But I also just bought my first revolver, a beautifully blued gun. Which solvents should I avoid if I want to preserve the finish?

 

[P95Carry]

One thing for sure, tho not a solvent - lead-away cloths. Only for stainless.

I am not aware right now of any true organic solvent that is aggressive on real blue - stuff like acetone, toluene, naptha etc tho - cannot say I have tested all.

To be honest - if contemplating any less than usual application of anything, classic solvent or not - I would test on a very small area under grips - and not take any risks at all.

 

[fisherman66]

Do not use Lead Away clothes.

I'm not aware of any solvent issues, and regularly use Hoppes #9 on Blue guns.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've been using Hoppe's No. 9 on blued guns for several decades without encountering anything like a problem. I've tried a few others, but a.) they don't smell bad—it's not good medicine if it doesn't taste bad, right?—and b.) they clean my guns about as well as, but no better than the old standard.

I just bought an ultrasonic cleaner. It included a cleaning solution that's mixed with water? Water? Put my guns in water?

Well, I tried it. I think I'm going to fill the tank with good old Hoppe's No. 9.

By the way, it's okay to use bronze-bristled brushes on blued steel, but I'd put in more time and less pressure. Nylon-bristled brushes usually take even longer to get the job done, but take off the copper left by bronze-bristled brushes.

Best of success, eh?

 

[SJshooter]

Solvents are probably fine, just stay away from the lead-away cloths as well as blood, cola and beer, all three of which will take the blue off in seconds. Thumbprints are also a killer, as is moisture in the air. Wipe it with an oily rag every time you handle it.

I use FP-10 and... nothing else.
www.fp10.com

 

[mete]

Solvents should not harm bluing. Any acid will harm it. Nickel finished are attacked by ammonia compounds though there are those who clean the bore with things like Hoppe's [contains ammonia compounds] then carefully wipe down the outside without problems.