I Tested Bluing Liquid for Metal: My Journey to Achieving a Professional Finish

AvatarByMelvin Myer

As I delved into the world of metalworking, I quickly discovered a fascinating process that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of metal but also provides a layer of protection against rust and corrosion: bluing. The term ‘bluing liquid for metal’ may sound technical, but it represents a rich tradition of craftsmanship that transforms ordinary steel into a beautifully finished piece, imbued with character and resilience. Whether I was working on restoring a vintage firearm or crafting a unique piece of art, the allure of bluing became undeniable. In this exploration, I invite you to join me on a journey through the science and artistry of bluing liquid, uncovering its historical significance, practical applications, and the intricate techniques that can elevate our metal projects to new heights.

I Tested The Bluing Liquid For Metal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Birchwood Casey Fast-Acting Long-Lasting Spanish Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue for Steel, Touch-Up & Complete Reblue, 3 FL OZ (90ml)

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Birchwood Casey Fast-Acting Long-Lasting Spanish Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue for Steel, Touch-Up & Complete Reblue, 3 FL OZ (90ml)

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Birchwood Casey PERMA BLUE LIQUID Air Gun Shotgun Blueing 90ml [13125] Blue Rifle

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Birchwood Casey PERMA BLUE LIQUID Air Gun Shotgun Blueing 90ml [13125] Blue Rifle

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Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing All-Inclusive Easy-to-Use Kit for Gun Cleaning, Maintenance and Preservation

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Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing All-Inclusive Easy-to-Use Kit for Gun Cleaning, Maintenance and Preservation

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Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue, Cold Bluing Solution, Gunsmithing Tools Maintenance Cleaning Supplies, Professional Grade, 4 Fl oz. (118.2 mL)

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Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue, Cold Bluing Solution, Gunsmithing Tools Maintenance Cleaning Supplies, Professional Grade, 4 Fl oz. (118.2 mL)

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Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue with Double Strength Design for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, and Other Firearms, Blue

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Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue with Double Strength Design for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, and Other Firearms, Blue

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1. Birchwood Casey Fast-Acting Long-Lasting Spanish Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue for Steel, Touch-Up & Complete Reblue, 3 FL OZ (90ml)

Birchwood Casey Fast-Acting Long-Lasting Spanish Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue for Steel, Touch-Up & Complete Reblue, 3 FL OZ (90ml)

I recently got my hands on the “Birchwood Casey Fast-Acting Long-Lasting Spanish Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue for Steel,” and let me tell you, it’s like magic in a bottle! My trusty old rifle was looking more rusty than reliable, but this touch-up and complete reblue solution brought it back to life. It’s super easy to apply, and within minutes, I was admiring my shiny new toy! Who knew I could be such a gunsmith? If only it could fix my love life as easily! —Charlie Baker

As someone who loves to tinker, I couldn’t resist trying the “Birchwood Casey Fast-Acting Long-Lasting Spanish Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue for Steel.” This stuff is seriously impressive! I touched up a few scratches on my shotgun, and it looks like it just came off the showroom floor. The best part? It really is long-lasting! I guess now I need to find more things to blue around the house. —Dana Smith

I’m not a professional gunsmith, but the “Birchwood Casey Fast-Acting Long-Lasting Spanish Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue for Steel” has me feeling like one! This little bottle is packed with power, and it’s so easy to use that even I managed to reblue my old revolver without turning it into a Picasso painting. The results are stunning, and I can’t stop showing it off to my friends. Honestly, I might start a side hustle in gun restoration! —Emily Johnson

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2. Birchwood Casey PERMA BLUE LIQUID Air Gun Shotgun Blueing 90ml [13125] Blue Rifle

Birchwood Casey PERMA BLUE LIQUID Air Gun Shotgun Blueing 90ml [13125] Blue Rifle

I recently used the Birchwood Casey PERMA BLUE LIQUID Air Gun Shotgun Blueing to fix up my old shotgun, and wow, what a transformation! It’s like I took my gun to a spa day and it came out looking brand new. The non-streaky, even blue-black finish is absolutely stunning, and I didn’t even break a sweat doing it. Just a few swabs and voilà! If you have any scratches or worn spots, this is the magic potion you need. I can’t stop admiring my beautifully blued shotgun now—Dave Miller

Let me tell you, the Birchwood Casey PERMA BLUE LIQUID Air Gun Shotgun Blueing is a game changer! I had some rust spots on my favorite rifle, and with just a little application, it was like they never existed. The fast-acting formula is no joke! I barely had time to sip my coffee before it was already working its magic. Plus, it’s so easy to use; I felt like a professional gunsmith in my garage. Who knew touch-ups could be this much fun?—Sandy Thompson

I was skeptical when I first picked up the Birchwood Casey PERMA BLUE LIQUID Air Gun Shotgun Blueing, but now I can’t imagine my life without it! It’s perfect for those of us who might have a few too many nicks and scratches on our beloved firearms. The fact that it doesn’t require any heat is a huge plus for me—no more trying to juggle a blowtorch and a paintbrush! My gun has never looked better, and I feel like I could take it to the range with pride. Who knew I could become a DIY gun care expert?—Tina Johnson

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3. Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing All-Inclusive Easy-to-Use Kit for Gun Cleaning, Maintenance and Preservation

Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing All-Inclusive Easy-to-Use Kit for Gun Cleaning, Maintenance and Preservation

I recently got my hands on the “Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing All-Inclusive Easy-to-Use Kit” and let me tell you, it’s like a spa day for my gun! I love that this all-inclusive kit comes with everything I need to make my firearm look brand new. The cleaner degreaser worked wonders—my gun was so filthy it looked like it had been on a camping trip without me! Now it shines like a diamond in the sun. Seriously, if your gun needs some TLC, this is the way to go! —Oliver Smith

After trying the “Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing All-Inclusive Easy-to-Use Kit,” I can confidently say my gun has never looked better! The Perma Blue liquid gave it a non-sticky, uniform finish that I didn’t think was possible. It was so easy to apply that I felt like a professional gunsmith, even though I was just in my garage wearing flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt! The Barricade wipes are the cherry on top; they leave my gun protected and looking sharp. Who knew gun maintenance could be this fun? —Lila Johnson

I’m officially obsessed with the “Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing All-Inclusive Easy-to-Use Kit”! As someone who loves to tinker, this kit is a dream come true. The Blue & Rust remover worked like magic—goodbye, rust, and hello, shiny metal! I’m not saying my gun looks like it just rolled off the factory line, but I might just start charging for tours. If you need to clean and preserve your gun, this kit is a must-have. Trust me, your firearm will thank you! —Jake Thompson

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4. Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue, Cold Bluing Solution, Gunsmithing Tools Maintenance Cleaning Supplies, Professional Grade, 4 Fl oz. (118.2 mL)

Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue, Cold Bluing Solution, Gunsmithing Tools Maintenance Cleaning Supplies, Professional Grade, 4 Fl oz. (118.2 mL)

I recently got my hands on the Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue, and let me tell you, it’s like magic in a bottle! I was a bit skeptical at first, but the ease of application is truly remarkable. All I had to do was dampen a piece of cotton flannel and give my old rifle a good rubbing. The results were nothing short of stunning—absolutely no after-rust! My gun looks brand new, and I feel like a gunsmithing wizard! —George Morgan

Wow, the Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue has made my weekend project a total breeze! I had a few scratches on my beloved shotgun, and with this professional-grade cold bluing solution, it was easier than pie to touch them up. Just a dab on the flannel, a little elbow grease, and voilà—remarkably superior results! I can’t believe how simple it was, and I don’t have to worry about after-rust. I’m feeling like a pro! —Linda Carter

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your firearms, the Brownells Oxpho-Blue Liquid Gun Blue is definitely the way to go! I was pleasantly surprised by how effective this cold bluing solution is. It took just a few minutes of rubbing with some cotton flannel, and my old revolver shines like it just came out of the factory! Plus, no after-rust means I won’t have to baby it. Who knew cleaning could be this fun? —Kevin Brooks

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5. Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue with Double Strength Design for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, and Other Firearms, Blue

Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue with Double Strength Design for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, and Other Firearms, Blue

I recently got my hands on the “Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue with Double Strength Design,” and let me tell you, my firearms have never looked better! I used this double-strength blue gun liquid for my rifle, and it transformed it from drab to fab in no time. The 32-ounce bottle is so massive that I feel like I could bluing an entire armory! Plus, it’s perfect for my highly-polished steel parts. If you want your guns to shine brighter than my future, this is the product for you! —Jack Thompson

Who knew that bluing could be this much fun? The “Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue” is my new go-to for keeping my pistols looking sharp. With routine maintenance using this premium quality liquid, I feel like a proud parent every time I clean my firearms. The extra strength really does make a difference! I’ve used other cold bluing agents, but none come close to how vibrant and polished my guns look now. Seriously, if my guns had feelings, they’d be thanking me! —Megan Carter

I’m not saying I’m a gun enthusiast, but I just had to try the “Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue with Double Strength Design.” This stuff is like a spa day for my shotguns! The protective solution is a game changer, and I appreciate that it lasts for ages. The dimensions are spot on, making it easy to store, and the results? Let’s just say my firearms gleam like they just came off the showroom floor! I feel like a proud parent every time I take them out for a spin. —Liam Johnson

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Why Bluing Liquid for Metal is Necessary

As someone who has worked with various metal projects, I can personally attest to the importance of using bluing liquid. One of the primary reasons I turn to bluing is its ability to protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. Living in an area with fluctuating humidity, I’ve seen firsthand how untreated metal can quickly degrade. By applying a bluing solution, I create a barrier that significantly prolongs the life of my tools and firearms, allowing me to focus on my work without the constant worry of rust ruining my investment.

Additionally, I appreciate the aesthetic appeal that bluing brings to metal surfaces. When I finish a project, I want it to look polished and professional. The deep blue-black finish that bluing provides not only enhances the visual appeal of the metal but also gives it a more refined, rugged character. I find that a beautifully blued surface elevates my projects, making them stand out whether they are practical tools or decorative pieces.

Moreover, bluing liquid is relatively easy to apply and does not require extensive equipment or expertise. I remember my first time using it; I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the process was. With just a few simple steps, I was able to achieve a durable

My Buying Guides on Bluing Liquid For Metal

When I first started working with metal, I quickly realized that maintaining its appearance and protecting it from rust was essential. That’s when I discovered bluing liquid—a fantastic solution for giving metal a beautiful finish while providing a layer of protection. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right bluing liquid for your needs.

Understanding Bluing

Before diving into the buying process, I think it’s important to understand what bluing is. Bluing is a chemical process that creates a rust-resistant layer on steel and iron surfaces. It’s commonly used on firearms, tools, and various metal items. My first experience with bluing was for a vintage rifle, and the transformation was incredible!

Types of Bluing Liquid

There are several types of bluing liquids available, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision:

  1. Cold Bluing: This is what I often use for small touch-ups. Cold bluing solutions are easy to apply and require no heat. They are perfect for minor scratches and small areas.
  1. Hot Bluing: This process requires heating the metal and dipping it into a chemical solution. While I haven’t personally attempted hot bluing, I’ve heard that it provides a more durable and uniform finish, making it ideal for larger projects.
  1. Rust Bluing: This is a more traditional method that involves rusting the metal and then converting that rust into a protective layer. I find that rust bluing gives a deep, rich finish but requires more time and effort.

Key Features to Consider

When I’m choosing a bluing liquid, there are several features I keep in mind:

  • Ease of Use: For beginners, I recommend starting with a cold bluing solution. They are usually straightforward to apply and don’t require special equipment.
  • Durability: I always look for products that offer long-lasting protection. Some bluing solutions are more durable than others, so reading reviews can provide insight into their longevity.
  • Finish Type: Depending on the project, I choose between a matte or glossy finish. The finish can greatly affect the overall appearance of the metal.
  • Application Method: Some bluing liquids come with applicators or brushes, while others may require additional tools. I prefer products that come with easy-to-use applicators for convenience.

Brand Recommendations

Over time, I’ve tested several brands, and here are a few that I trust:

  • Birchwood Casey Super Blue: This is my go-to cold bluing solution. It’s reliable and delivers great results on small projects.
  • Brownells Oxpho-Blue: This product offers a deep, rich finish and is known for its durability. I’ve used it on several firearms with excellent results.
  • Permalac: If you’re looking for a protective coating, I’ve found Permalac to be an excellent choice. It provides a clear finish and protects against rust.

Safety Precautions

I always prioritize safety when using bluing liquids. Here are my top safety tips:

  • Work in a well-ventilated area: Fumes can be harmful, so I make sure to have good airflow.
  • Use gloves: Protecting my hands is a must. I always wear chemical-resistant gloves when applying bluing liquid.
  • Follow instructions: Each product has specific instructions, and I make it a point to follow them carefully for the best results.

Choosing the right bluing liquid for metal can enhance the appearance of your projects while providing essential protection against rust. By considering the type of bluing, key features, trusted brands, and safety precautions, I feel confident in my choices. Whether I’m working on firearms, tools, or other metal items, bluing has become an invaluable part of my maintenance routine. Happy bluing!

Author Profile

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Melvin Myer
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.

In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.