archerace said:
Noddy, will you share your bluing, browning, and painting process?
Fer sure... It's actually pretty simple, just a bit time-consuming (on the frame especially because you've got to do it a section at a time):
1. Wire wheel all the steel to get a bit of a textured finish.
2. Acetone clean up.
3. Heat the steel with a MAPP torch, apply Mark Lees Express Brown #2 (
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/blackening-browning/express-brown-2-prod41671.aspx) - it'll be a bit patchy but that's cool because it'll give the blue somewhere to go.
4. Wipe off with hot water after about 30 seconds.
5. Clean excess with steel wool.
6. Acetone clean up.
7. Apply Perma Blue (
https://birchwoodcasey.com/content/perma-blue®-liquid-gun-blueing-3-oz-32-oz) - no heat needed.
8. Wipe off with hot water after about 30 seconds, steel wool, acetone and repeat steps 7 and 8 again if needed.
9. Several coats of Penetrol (
http://www.floodaustralia.net/products/paint_additives/penetrol.php) for sealing and rust protection.
10. Several coats of marine grade oil-based satin polyurethane top coat.
11. Cross your fingers and hope it all turns out well.
12. If you're like me, hate the final colour mix, strip it all off and do it all again...
No guarantees about the longevity of the finish, it's a bit trial and error, but we'll see how it holds up!