Refinishing Gun Metal Scratches

Applied to the surface of the firearm at the factory, bluing is a protective coating bonded to the surface of the metal, via an electro-chemical reaction, to prevent rust. Over time, from normal wear and tear, the bluing can become damaged. If the bluing becomes excessively worn the firearm will require a complete rebluing; minor refinishing of gun metal scratches can be done with a bluing touchup pen.

Things You'll Need

  • Gun cleaning solvent
  • Cotton balls
  • Superfine steel wool
  • Gun blue repair pen
  • Clean cotton cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply cleaning solvent to a cotton ball. Rub the scratched areas on the firearm with the cotton ball to remove any contaminants, such as dirt or oil, from the metal. Buff the cleaned scratches with superfine steel wool; superfine steel wool is used to polish metals and will not harm the surrounding finish.

    • 2

      Wipe the surface of the firearm with a clean, soft cotton cloth to remove any residue left by the steel wool.

    • 3

      Work the tip of a gun blue repair pen along the length of the scratches, covering all areas of bare metal with bluing. Rub the newly applied bluing with a clean soft cloth.

    • 4

      Repeat the process; build up layers of bluing until the scratch is completely filled in. Buff the filled scratches with steel wool to blend the repair into the surrounding area.