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Rust blueing of fine engraving, or symbols

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24 January 2012, 04:08
farbedo
Rust blueing of fine engraving, or symbols
When you folks rust blue a firearm that has shallow or detailed symbols/engraving are there any precautions, or steps, that you take to preserve the detail of the engraving?

I am restoring a 60's Colt Trooper and would like to rust blue it, but I don't want to destroy the colt symbol on the sideplate. The other markings are deep enough to survive without any concern. Since rust blueing removes some metal, I am questioning my choice and I haven't run into this in any previous rifle build.

Please don't blast me for not sending it to Colt to be refinished. This isn't a collectors grade pistol, but it shoots very well. I've already gotten an earful from a couple of local Colt lovers.

Thanks for your help.

Jeremy
24 January 2012, 09:26
ssdave
Rust bluing takes off a minimum of metal, I don't think it would affect the colt logo. I have never noticed it taking off even the most shallow mark. If you have a 240 grit sanding scratch, it is there when you finish, just as bad as when you started!

dave
24 January 2012, 16:06
farbedo
Thanks ssdave. That is the way that I was leaning, but wasn't sure.