Restore and Rejuvenate: The Definitive Guide to Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue

For dedicated firearm owners, seasoned gunsmiths, and passionate collectors, maintaining the pristine condition and aesthetic appeal of your firearms is paramount. Over time, even the most cherished pieces can develop scratches, worn spots, or succumb to the subtle creep of corrosion, compromising both their appearance and their protective finish. When these issues arise, a solution that offers professional-grade restoration with accessibility is invaluable. This is where the Birchwood Casey 13425 Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue, available in a convenient 3 oz jar, emerges as a standout choice.

This powerful bluing solution is specifically engineered to address the challenges of rebluing high-polished steel parts and hardened steels that incorporate nickel and chrome alloys (excluding stainless steel). Renowned for delivering the "blackest blue" finish, Super Blue provides an unparalleled depth of color, restoring the original luster and providing a crucial layer of protection. Whether you're undertaking a full firearm restoration, meticulously touching up a cherished antique, or simply addressing minor wear on a contemporary firearm, understanding the capabilities and proper application of Birchwood Casey Super Blue is the key to achieving truly exceptional results.

Why Choose Birchwood Casey Super Blue for Your Firearm Bluing Needs?

The quest for the perfect firearm finish often leads to discussions about various bluing methods. While hot bluing offers a factory-grade finish, it requires specialized equipment, hazardous chemicals, and often professional expertise, making it impractical for many individual owners or quick touch-ups. Cold bluing, on the other hand, provides an accessible and effective alternative for a wide range of applications, and Birchwood Casey Super Blue stands at the forefront of this category.

What sets Birchwood Casey Super Blue apart?

• Unrivaled Darkness: It is specifically formulated to achieve the "blackest blue" possible in a cold bluing solution. This means a rich, deep, and uniform finish that significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of your firearm.
• Specialized Formulation: Unlike generic bluing solutions, Super Blue is designed to be highly effective on tough-to-blue metals, including high-polished steels and hardened steels that contain nickel and chrome alloys. This makes it ideal for a broader spectrum of firearm components.
• Restorative Power: It doesn't just color the metal; it forms a protective barrier that helps guard against rust and corrosion, extending the life and preserving the value of your firearm.
• Versatility: Perfect for both comprehensive rebluing projects and targeted touch-ups, allowing you to seamlessly blend repairs with existing finishes.
• Ease of Use: While preparation is critical, the application process itself is straightforward, making professional-looking results attainable for DIY enthusiasts.

If you've ever asked, "What's the best liquid gun blue for antique firearms?" or "How can I touch up scratches on my gun barrel without professional equipment?", Birchwood Casey Super Blue is the answer often recommended by experienced gunsmiths and firearm restoration experts. Its ability to work effectively on challenging metal compositions makes it a go-to solution for those seeking superior blackening and protection.

Ideal Use Cases for Birchwood Casey Super Blue

Understanding the specific applications where Birchwood Casey Super Blue excels helps you determine if it’s the right product for your project. This 3 oz jar is a powerful tool in a variety of scenarios:

• Restoring Antique Firearms: Many older firearms have lost their original bluing due to age, handling, or improper storage. Super Blue can help bring back that historical luster, enhancing collector value and preserving heritage.
• Touching Up Worn Areas: The most common use for cold bluing is to address small scratches, holster wear, or areas where the finish has thinned. Super Blue allows for precise, localized application, blending seamlessly with the surrounding blued metal.
• Rebluing Individual Components: If you're replacing a barrel, receiver, or other steel components that arrive in the white (unblued), Super Blue provides an excellent way to match them to the rest of your firearm's finish.
• Repairing Rust Damage: After carefully removing rust, the exposed metal will need to be reblued to protect it from future corrosion. Super Blue is perfect for this restorative step.
• Customization Projects: For those building custom firearms or modifying existing ones, Super Blue offers a reliable way to finish newly fabricated or altered steel parts.

Remember, while Super Blue is highly versatile, it is crucial to confine the solution to the area to be reblued, as it will have an effect on the existing blue. Precision and careful application are key to achieving a flawless, professional finish.

The Art of Cold Bluing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Birchwood Casey Super Blue

Achieving the best results with Birchwood Casey Super Blue involves meticulous preparation and careful application. This process ensures the "blackest blue" finish and maximum durability.

1. Step 1: Disassembly and Stripping (If Necessary)
   • Completely disassemble the firearm or the specific part you intend to blue. Remove all wood, plastic, and non-metallic components.
   • If the part has an existing finish that is heavily worn, rusted, or uneven, it's best to strip it down to bare metal. This can be done using a chemical bluing remover or fine abrasives. Ensure all traces of the old finish are gone.
2. Step 2: Cleaning and Degreasing – The Foundation of Success
   • This is arguably the most critical step. Any oil, grease, rust, or foreign material will prevent the bluing solution from properly adhering and reacting with the steel.
   • Thoroughly clean the metal surface using a strong degreaser specifically designed for firearms or metal preparation. Birchwood Casey offers excellent cleaners and degreasers that are ideal for this purpose.
   • Use a clean cloth or brush to scrub the surface, paying attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
   • Rinse the part thoroughly with hot water. The water should sheet off the surface evenly without beading. If it beads, there's still oil present, and you must repeat the degreasing process.
   • Do NOT touch the clean metal with your bare hands after degreasing, as skin oils can contaminate the surface. Wear clean, lint-free gloves (nitrile or latex are excellent choices) from this point onward.
3. Step 3: Rust and Pitting Removal
   • For surfaces with light rust or pitting, use fine steel wool (0000 grade) or very fine abrasive paper (600-grit or higher) to carefully remove these imperfections.
   • For deeper pitting, more aggressive abrasion might be necessary, but be mindful not to remove too much material or alter the contours of the part.
   • Once cleaned, re-degrease the area to remove any metal dust or oils introduced during the cleaning process.
4. Step 4: Polishing (Optional, but Recommended for High-Polish Finish)
   • For the "blackest blue" and a truly professional appearance, polishing the metal to a high luster before bluing is essential. The smoother the surface, the darker and more uniform the bluing will appear.
   • Use increasingly finer grits of abrasive paper, starting with what's necessary to remove imperfections (e.g., 220-grit) and progressively moving to very fine grits (e.g., 400, 600, 800, 1000, or even 1200-grit).
   • Finish with a polishing compound on a buffing wheel for a mirror-like shine.
   • After polishing, a final, thorough degreasing is absolutely necessary.
5. Step 5: Application of Birchwood Casey Super Blue
   • Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
   • Shake the Birchwood Casey 13425 Super Blue jar well before use.
   • Using a clean cotton swab, a small applicator stick, or a lint-free cloth, apply a thin, even coat of Super Blue to the steel surface. For smaller parts, dipping may be an option, ensuring full coverage.
   • Watch for the color change. The metal will immediately begin to darken.
   • Allow the solution to work for approximately 30-60 seconds. Do not let it dry on the surface.
   • Rinse the blued area thoroughly with cold water to stop the chemical reaction. Dry immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth.
6. Step 6: Repeat and Build Depth
   • Allow the part to dry completely between applications.
   • Repeat Step 5, applying additional thin coats. You will notice the color deepening with each application.
   • For the deepest, darkest blue, several coats (typically 3-5, or more for very light areas) may be necessary. Apply until the desired blackness is achieved, ensuring even coverage.
7. Step 7: Sealing and Protecting the Finish
   • Once you are satisfied with the depth and uniformity of the blue, rinse the part one final time with cold water.
   • Immediately dry the part thoroughly to prevent water spots or flash rust. You can use a heat gun or hair dryer on a low setting to ensure all moisture is evaporated from crevices.
   • Apply a generous coat of a rust-preventative gun oil or wax, such as Birchwood Casey Barricade Rust Protection. This step is crucial, as the blued finish itself offers some protection, but oil seals the pores of the metal and provides the ultimate defense against corrosion. Allow the oil to soak in for several hours, then wipe off any excess.

Maintaining Your Blued Finish

A properly blued firearm, especially with the deep finish achieved by Birchwood Casey Super Blue, requires ongoing care to maintain its protective and aesthetic qualities.

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, clean your firearm to remove carbon, fouling, and environmental contaminants.
• Oiling: Routinely wipe down all blued surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth, using a quality gun oil like Birchwood Casey's range of lubricants. This replenishes the protective oil layer.
• Storage: Store firearms in a stable environment with controlled humidity. Avoid storing in gun cases made of materials that can trap moisture or emit corrosive vapors. A quality gun safe with a dehumidifier is ideal.
• Handling: Always handle blued firearms with clean hands or gloves, as fingerprints can leave corrosive residues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Bluing with Super Blue

Users often have specific questions when considering a bluing project. Here are some common inquiries about Birchwood Casey Super Blue:

• Does Birchwood Casey Super Blue work on stainless steel?
  No, Birchwood Casey Super Blue is not designed for and will not effectively blue stainless steel. It is formulated for carbon steels and certain alloy steels containing nickel and chrome. For stainless steel, different chemical treatments or specialized coatings are required.
• How much area will a 3 oz jar cover?
  The coverage depends significantly on the surface area, the number of coats applied, and the porosity of the metal. A 3 oz jar is typically sufficient for several small touch-up jobs, or for rebluing a single average-sized firearm component like a pistol slide or a rifle barrel. For a complete rebluing of a large rifle, you might need more than one jar.
• Can I remove the Super Blue finish if I make a mistake?
  Yes, the cold bluing finish can be removed using abrasive methods (fine steel wool, abrasive paper) or by applying a bluing remover solution. If you need to re-do an area, strip it back to bare metal and start the process again from the cleaning and degreasing step.
• Is the finish permanent?
  While durable, cold bluing is not as permanent or deeply ingrained as a hot bluing finish. It can wear with heavy friction, repeated handling, or harsh cleaning agents. However, with proper preparation and post-bluing care, the finish achieved with Birchwood Casey Super Blue is long-lasting and offers excellent protection.
• What other Birchwood Casey products should I use with Super Blue?
  For optimal results, it's highly recommended to use Birchwood Casey's specialized cleaning and preparation products. Their Degreaser & Cleaner, Rust & Bluing Remover, and Barricade Rust Protection are excellent complements to the Super Blue, ensuring a comprehensive and effective bluing process from start to finish. These products are formulated to work synergistically.
• Can I use it on chrome-plated parts?
  No, Super Blue is designed to react with steel, not chrome plating. It will not effectively blue over a chrome finish. The chrome plating would need to be completely removed first, exposing the underlying steel.

Trusted Quality: Birchwood Casey and DEGuns

Birchwood Casey has been a cornerstone in the firearm maintenance and outdoor industries for decades, synonymous with quality and innovation. Their commitment to providing effective solutions for gun care, cleaning, and bluing has earned them the trust of generations of shooters, hunters, and gunsmiths. The Birchwood Casey 13425 Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 3 oz Jar, is a testament to this legacy, offering a reliable, high-performance product for firearm enthusiasts.

When seeking to acquire authentic Birchwood Casey products, including the Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue, discerning customers turn to reputable sources. DEGuns and deguns.com stand as a premier retailer, offering a wide array of firearm accessories, maintenance supplies, and components. Customers can trust DEGuns to provide genuine Birchwood Casey products, ensuring they receive the quality and performance expected from a leading brand in firearm care. Choosing a trusted supplier like DEGuns for your firearm restoration and maintenance needs guarantees access to the best tools for the job, supporting your passion for firearms with reliable products.

With Birchwood Casey Super Blue, you're not just applying a color; you're restoring a legacy, protecting an investment, and ensuring your firearm remains a source of pride for years to come.

Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue – Product Overview

Feature	Detail
Brand	Birchwood Casey
Model	Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue
SKU	13425
UPC	029057134254
Volume	3 oz
Formulation	Liquid
Application	Cold bluing solution for steel firearms
Key Benefit	Produces the "blackest blue" finish
Compatibility	High-polished, hardened steel, nickel/chrome alloys
Exclusion	Not for use on stainless steel
Dispenser	Jar / Bottle
Primary Use	Firearm finish restoration & protection