How good does bluing need to be to protect steel?

[Tonit]

Hi guy,

Question for the metal experts here...

I've got an old blued rifle and it's blue is wearing reaaal thin.

I'd like to maintain it, but not worth spending the money to have a smith re blue it correctly for me. I just want to keep it kicking for a few more years,

Question is, will a casual brush on of blue protect the metal sufficiently?

Doesn't have to be pretty or even, just has to not rust.

Will a few coats do the trick even if it's patchy?

Advice appreciated.

[Norton]

Something a bit more diligent than a "casual brush" would be better.

A few coats until it has a richer colour at least, but it will still protect if the finish isn't even.

[Aussier]

Something a bit more diligent than a "casual brush" would be better.

Just throw the blue at it, it'll be right

[disko]

Check out the videos on youtube of doing it as a dip.

You basically submerge it in the solution then heat it with a hair dryer.

Looks easy enough and you get a solid finish.

[Atter]

Just throw the blue at it, it'll be right

I tried that with bedding my rifle.

Just through a ladle of Devco Plastic Steel at it.

Didn't work out so well...

[Monty]

I tried that with bedding my rifle.

Just through a ladle of Devco Plastic Steel at it.

Didn't work out so well...

Bit of mechanical lock in, hey?

[Tonit]

Thanks guys.

I fumbled through a few walkthroughs and got a result.

We'll call is a bronze winning job, but still a result

[roob]

Better than it going to rot.

Thumbs up

[Bourt]

Better than it going to rot.

+1

[Utcherd]

I fumbled through a few walkthroughs and got a result.

We'll call is a bronze winning job, but still a result

Good to hear. I've got an old knife I'm going to give the same treatment too. Should be a lot easier than an action.