Hot Nitrate Bluing

Post by Phil_D

Has anyone tried it? - I bought myself some KN03 and thought i would give it try but would like any info on making it easier.

I think these are the steps i need to take...

1 - Clean/polish metal
2 - Sodium Hydroxide clean it
3 - Rinse with distilled water
4 - Immerse in hot KN03 at 275C for 45 mins or so
5 - remove and let hot solution drain off, check colour, replace if not done.
6 - wash with distilled water
7 - dry and oil.

Cheers
Phil
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Post by GZ22

Hi.

I haven't tried it but please do use gloves and safety glasses/goggles when using sodium hydroxide - it will very readily eat through any organic material (including humans)!!

Post by Spencerman

I cant say that I have ever tried it either, but from what I know about blueing that looks pretty correct. Good luck, and let us know how you get on, some before, during and after pics would be nice.
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Post by phil_D

Cheers GZ22

Yes, Gloves etc will be part of the process, hot KNO3, that will set fire to anything it drips on.. so there will be plenty of protection around.


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Too many to list now and the collection has stopped still growing.