Answer

There are different types of bluing; Hot Caustic, Slow Rust (a cold process) and what is often refered to as “Cold Bluing”.

To touch up a part you can use “Cold Blue” but don’t’ expect a factory matching finish. Here how you ca do a pretty good job on a small area.

1. Degrease thoroughly with alcohol or another clean degreaser.

2. Heat the area with a hair drier or a heat gun.

3. Dip a “Q” tip into your solution (44/40, or another brand) and dab on the spot

once time in a circular motion. Throw away the “Q” tip. Don’t reuse or re-dip you will contaminate your solution and the part.

4. Wipe lightly with a clean cloth and lightly oil. Don’t use Break Free as it may lift the repaired finish.

If you want to do really high end finishes watch the AGI Slow Rust & Nitre Bluing Course.

If you want to be able to do professional firearms bluing watch the AGI Professional Hot Caustic Bluing course. It also covers complete metal preparation. It is better than the course I went through at Gunsmithing School.

Answer:

The beautiful S&W blue and the equally beautiful Colt Royal Blue are not a function of the bluing process, they are the result of the meticulous hand polishing by truly skilled craftsmen prior to the bluing.