Cleaning steel parts to prepare for cold-blue

[AmericanMachinist]

I've made a couple of tool handles out of unknown steel alloy, but nothing hard or particularly special based on what they were scrapped from.

I'd like to blue them as the best protectant I can think of. They are knurled and threaded on the ends.

Beyond submerging and sloshing around in acetone, any better suggestions for cleaning them so the bluing isn't splotchy? I don't have a parts washer.

I wish I had a good way to preserve them while not turning the black, but I don't mind it. They will live in a climate-controlled shop, but at some point likely get wet outdoors, etc.

Thanks!

 

[NCjeeper]

Some sort of degreaser should work like purple power or mean green. Mix up a bit and wash the parts in it.

 

[AmericanMachinist]

Some sort of degreaser should work like purple power or mean green. Mix up a bit and wash the parts in it.

Of course! Great thinking. Thanks!

 

[Flyinfool]

I usually use brake cleaner before cold blue.

 

[benmychree]

Cold blue will provide very little rust protection and wears off easily.

 

[f350ca]

Wear disposable gloves when your washing the parts or the oil from your hands will leave finger prints in the blueing.
I use Purple Power or Super Clean then rinse in water.

Greg

 

[jdedmon91]

I usually use brake cleaner before cold blue.

I do also


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[gunsmither]

Acetone works very well in my experience using cold blues. That said, the very best CB I ever found was Birchwood Super Blue, applied
using a small piece of White Scotchbrite pad, the very fine stuff. The SB pad helps blend in the bluing solution way better than oily steel wool,
giving a nice even color. Oxpho Blue creme works well too with the SB pad.

 

[lordbeezer]

Little heat will help also.

 

[Janderso]

I decided to keep this thread alive rather than beginning again.
I bought Oxpho blue from Brownell’s.
Unfortunately I wasn’t paying attention and got the, “Creme” formula.
I’ve never used it, I’m not impressed with it but I have two bottles and will learn to love it!

I cleaned the part with acetone. I then made sure it was dry, applied plenty of blue. Let it sit for five minute, rinsed in warm water then repeated the process. I didn’t notice any difference after the second application.

Is there a better bluing product? Is there a better and cheaper product?

Thanks guys.