Rust Blue Preperation

K

KSblaster

Inactive
I have an early Ithaca 20 guage SxS ready for reblue. I have decided to use the rust bluing process to resemble an original finish. The metal has been hand polished to a 1200+ grit finish. Have I overpolished for a rust blue finish? Do I need to repolish with 400 to 600 grit paper? I want the finish to look authentic.
 
I only did 2 rust blue jobs in 4 yeears of gunsmithing, and thousands of caustic blue jobs. I always hand polished to 600 grit. If you are already done, 1000 grit or 1200 grit will be fine. It will appear as a very fine finish, not like an original finish.
 
Thanks Scorch. A finer than original finish will be OK as long as it appears blue/black. I don't want that mirror looking black chrome that I have seen on some reblued guns. Still OK with a 1200+ grit finish on the rust blue?
 
I believe the "mirror silver" rust blue jobs I have seen were the result of overpolishing. I think your gut is telling you the same. In my opinion the rusting solution does not etch as deeply with such a smooth surface. 400-600 grit is ideal for rust bluing. Higher polish will have less depth with rust blue.
 
Thanks for all the good input guys. I have a lot of time invested in draw filing , sanding and polishing, all by hand to retain sharp edges and stampings. I think I will invest a little bit more and repolish to a 600- grit finish for a more authentic look. Thanks again.
 
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