The information below describes and shows comparisons for applications of Liquid and Paste Gun Blueing as well as comparisons for the durability of these two types of gun blueing. The gun barrel used for this demonstration is of an Eastern Arms Company .410 break open shotgun with serial number 57559. The brand of blue used in this demonstration is that of Birchwood Casey as shown in the photo below:

Three (3) applications of blueing are applied precisely as instructed by the manufacturer and then, after 12 hours for curing, the durability of the results is tested by firmly rubbing the blued finish as given in the 4 steps that follow:

1. Dry fine steel wool
2. Oiled paper towel
3. Palm of hand producing heat and sweat
4. Dry synthetic wool till finish is virtially removed

In the photos given, two photos that are combined (no space between) show the same photo taken without and then with camera flash.

Blued Section

Barrel section to be blued and tested for durability:

After removing rust completely with Blue And Rust Remover:

Blueing Applications

After taping for Liquid Blueing on left and Paste Blueing on right:

After first application of Liquid and Paste Blueing:

After rubbing first application of Liquid and Paste Blueing with fine steel wool:

After second application of Liquid and Paste Blueing:

After rubbing second application of Liquid and Paste Blueing with fine steel wool:

After third application of Liquid and Paste Blueing:

After rubbing third application of Liquid and Paste Blueing with fine steel wool:

After applying Rust Preventitive:

To show how each application produces a slightly darker finish (no camera flash), the three applications of Liquid and Paste Bluing, after the important step of rubbing with fine steel wool, follow:

To show how each application produces a slightly bluer finish (camera flash), the three applications of Liquid and Paste Bluing, after the important step of rubbing with fine steel wool, follow:

Blueing Durability

After 12 hours for curing:

After rubbing firmly with fine steel wool:

After rubbing firmly with oiled paper towel:

After rubbing firmly with palm of hand:

After rubbing firmly with synthetic wool:

Blueing Applications And Durability Conclusion

In preparation for applying Liquid and Paste Blueing to the metal, it is crucial to have a totally rust free and perfectly clean surface. While applying the Liquid and Paste Blueing to the metal during each application, it is important to apply the blueing as quick, thorough, and uniform as possible keeping the surface constantly wet during the time it is to remain on the surface. Otherwise a marbled appearance results that slightly resembles case hardening. While rinsing the Liquid and Paste Blueing from the metal during each application, it is important to rub the surface lightly with fine steel wool to remove any residue to assure the best results possible. It appears that the finish meets its maximum darkness after three applications.

Neither the Liquid or Paste Blueing are durable after curing for the minimal 12 hours. The manufacturer claims the Paste Blueing is more durable than the Liquid Blueing, but the results above show there is virtually, or absolutely, no difference.

Any metal imperfections, such as scratches and rust pits, are very evident after blueing. Some blueing manufacturers suggest using sandpaper or even a file to remove scratches and rust pits. The author believes that it is best to remove as little metal as possible. A 100% rust free surface that also significantly reduces the appearance of scratches and rust pits can be achieved by lightly yet thoroughly sandblasting the metal surface.

Uniform Blueing Without Sanding Or Filing

As demonstrated above, any metal imperfections, such as scratches and rust pits, are very evident after blueing. Some blueing manufacturers suggest using sandpaper or even a file to remove scratches and rust pits. The author believes that it is best to remove as little metal as possible. A 100% rust free surface that also significantly reduces the appearance of scratches and rust pits can be achieved by lightly yet thoroughly sandblasting the metal surface.

The photos below are of the barrel with 5 applications of Paste Blueing after being sandblasted:

The photos below are of the non sandblasted barrel blued with 3 applications of Paste Blueing and of the sandblasted barrel with 5 applications of Paste Blueing:

Notice that the pits in the sandblasted barrel are much less apparent than those before sandblasting. This was accomplished with no sanding or filing whatsoever and provides a totally rust free finish without the use of any chemicals (i.e. Blue And Rust Remover).