DIY Shotgun Bluing

Gun bluing puts a fine layer of oxidation on the outside of the shotgun's exposed metal and prevents rust formation. In the past, dipping the metal parts into a solution of caustic chemicals heated to around 300 degrees Fahrenheit accomplished the task. This method was too complex and messy to be done at home. Currently, there are several proprietary cold bluing formulations available that take some of the mess and most of the complexity out of restoring the finish on your shotgun.

Things You'll Need

  • Shotgun
  • Tools to disassemble your gun
  • #0000 steel wool
  • Chemical-resistant rubber gloves
  • Acetone or denatured alcohol
  • Bluing liquid
  • Old cotton T-shirt
  • High-quality gun oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disassemble the shotgun. Remove the stock. Remove the receiver mechanism and any other stainless steel parts that will not be blued.

    • 2

      Remove surface rust and/or light scratches by rubbing them with #0000 steel wool.

    • 3

      Put on a pair of chemical-resistant rubber gloves.

    • 4

      Clean the surfaces of each piece you want to blue with acetone or denatured alcohol and allow them to dry. Once a piece has been cleaned, do not touch it with your bare hands. Oil from your hands will adhere to the steel and interfere with the chemical reaction necessary for bluing.

    • 5

      Apply bluing to the pieces of your gun with sections of an old clean T-shirt. Apply the bluing in small sections, blending the finish from one area to the next. Follow manufacturer's instructions for amounts and application time.

    • 6

      Polish the finished pieces with #0000 steel wool as soon as they are dry.

    • 7

      Apply a fine coat of high-quality gun oil to all the pieces and reassemble the shotgun.