>>11359272OK, here's how to cold-blue in one post:
1. Remove rust: I use 0000 wool and RemOil, rubbing with light pressure. This will get out 90% of light surface rust and freckling, but the spots that rusted through the original bluing will show as bare metal.
2. Degrease the surface: You MUST get every microscopic trace of oil off the surface to be cold-blued, or it will just wipe off. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner works, as will acetone. I finish with a dish-soap and water scrub, rinse with plenty of clean water, and dry with a CLEAN towel-- not a greasy one for god's sake!
3. Heat the area, apply the blue: I use a small brazing torch for a second or two, but a hairdryer will work just as well. The heating does two things: Drives every last remnant of moisture from the bare metal (as well as any solvent) and allows the cream to melt slightly, making application easier. Don't get it too hot, just hot enough to do the job. Then rub on the cold bluing, and keep rubbing till you get a smooth coverage.
4. Let sit one minute, RINSE WITH WATER: Lots of water. Then try with ANOTHER clean cloth, buffing lightly.
5. Oil: Any oil will do, but I use RemOil because it's cheap and works. Let it sit overnight, and you're done!
This is, of course, a very simplified version for simple, small areas. I'll post how I do larger areas (to include a whole rifle... if you want/need to do that) in a later thread.
