Any experience with gun blue or refinishing?

[2LaneCruzer]

I agree. I have refinished half a dozen shotguns and have always paid to have the metal professionally done. My favorite is an old 1187 that I sanded and re-cleared at least 20 times before I got it perfect. It is some shiny wood for sure! On others I like a duller stain only satin type finish.

I use a wet sanding technique. First remove the old finish. I then try to raise any dings by dropping water on them, allowing them to soak it up and heating with a heat gun to raise the grain, being careful not to scorch the wood. This will take care of most of the dings; you can use filler on bigger chips or gouges, but I don't like to.

Once it's been sanded, I take whatever finish I am going to use (I often use Tung Oil or poly urethane) and dilute it about 2 or 3 to one...I then wet sand it using 200 grit until a nice paste is formed with the material sanded. Do not remove the paste; allow it to dry and then remove it with a #0000 steel wool. Repeat with 400 grit about 4 or 5 times until you get the finish you want. If you want it dull leave it after the last removal step; otherwise put on a couple finish coats.

This method will give you a finish that completely fills the grain with an almost plastic appearance. Lots of work, but the results are great.

 

[rtimgray]

Thanks for the advice fellas. The gun (like the rest of my guns) is not a showpiece by any means and it's value will be limited to whatever I think it's worth. I appreciate the tips about refinishing the stock as well.

I'm still gathering up parts and pieces for my planned refurbishment of the gun. I'm going to swing by one of the local gun stores and see what they have in the way of blueing products. I'm going to start off with some of the pieces like the triggerguard assembly and see how they turn out.

Thanks again. Good luck and take care.