Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart Review

The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart Made a Bold First Impression

The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart promises to be a serious player in the gunsmithing world, offering a double-strength solution for blueing even the most challenging steels. This isn’t your grandpa’s cold blue; it’s designed for the hardened steels that plague modern firearms, particularly those with nickel and chrome alloys. For someone like me, who appreciates a firearm’s aesthetics as much as its functionality, a reliable blueing solution is crucial.

I’ve always been particular about maintaining the finish on my firearms. Years of use can take a toll, and a good blueing solution is essential for restoring that deep, rich color. I was tired of solutions that barely darkened the steel or left a streaky, uneven finish.

Upon receiving the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart, the first thing I noticed was the substantial size of the container. A quart is a generous amount, suggesting this product is aimed at serious hobbyists or even professional gunsmiths. The liquid itself is a deep, almost menacing, blue.

I’ve used Birchwood Casey products before, but I’ve primarily relied on their Perma Blue paste for smaller touch-up jobs. Compared to the paste, the liquid form felt more aggressive, promising a deeper, darker finish. I had also considered Brownells Oxpho-Blue, which is highly regarded, but the Super Blue‘s claim of working on hardened steels ultimately swayed my decision.

My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and trepidation. The “Super Blue” moniker suggests a powerful solution, and I knew I’d have to proceed with caution. However, the prospect of achieving a professional-looking blue on some of my older firearms was undeniably appealing.

Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart to the Test

First Use Experience

I decided to test the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart on an old Mosin-Nagant bolt that had seen better days. The original blueing was almost completely gone, leaving the bolt susceptible to rust. I prepped the bolt meticulously, degreasing it thoroughly and polishing it to a smooth finish.

I applied the Super Blue with a clean cotton swab, carefully following the instructions on the bottle. I was working in my garage, which, while not ideal, was well-ventilated. The solution worked quickly, turning the steel a dark gray within seconds.

The first application was a bit uneven, but after a few more coats, rinsing, and steel wooling, the bolt started to take on a uniform, dark blue-black color. The process required patience and attention to detail, but the initial results were promising. The finish wasn’t perfect, but it was a significant improvement over the bare steel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks, the blueing on the Mosin-Nagant bolt has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of fading or chipping, even with regular handling. The finish feels durable and protective, exactly what I was hoping for.

Cleaning the bolt is simple; I just wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth. The Super Blue finish hasn’t seemed to attract any additional dirt or grime, and it hasn’t reacted negatively to any of the gun cleaning solvents I use. This is a definite plus.

In comparison to my previous experiences with other cold blue solutions, the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart has been far more effective. It provides a darker, more durable finish, and it seems to adhere better to the steel. It certainly outperforms the cheaper blueing pens I’ve used in the past, and I’d even say it rivals some of the hot blue jobs I’ve seen.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart

Specifications

• The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart is a double-strength blueing solution designed for hardened steels. This makes it effective on firearms with nickel and chrome alloys, which are notoriously difficult to blue.
• It is a liquid formula, allowing for easy application with cotton swabs, brushes, or immersion. The liquid form ensures even coverage and penetration into the steel.
• The solution is extra strength, promising the blackest blue achievable with a cold blue process. The extra strength is key to achieving a deep, rich color on modern steels.
• The bottle contains 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) of solution. The generous quantity makes it suitable for multiple projects and larger firearms.
• It’s intended for use on polished steel parts. Proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal results.

Performance & Functionality

The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart excels at its primary function: darkening steel. It delivers a noticeably darker finish compared to standard cold blue solutions. The solution adheres well to properly prepared surfaces and provides a relatively durable finish for a cold blue product.

One of its strengths is its ability to blue hardened steels, a feat that many other cold blue solutions struggle with. However, achieving a perfect, even finish requires practice and meticulous application. The Super Blue definitely meets expectations, providing a viable option for touching up or re-blueing firearms at home.

Design & Ergonomics

The product is packaged in a simple, functional bottle. The liquid form is easy to pour and apply. However, the lack of a built-in applicator can be a minor inconvenience.

There is a slight learning curve associated with achieving optimal results. Experimentation and practice are key to mastering the application process.

Durability & Maintenance

While not as durable as a hot blue finish, the Super Blue provides a decent level of protection against rust and wear. With proper application and maintenance, the finish can last for a reasonable amount of time.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth is typically sufficient to maintain the finish.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart itself does not come with any accessories. However, it is typically used in conjunction with other gunsmithing tools and supplies.

Essential accessories include degreasers, polishing compounds, steel wool, cotton swabs, and protective gloves. While there aren’t any “customization options” for the product itself, the final finish can be influenced by the level of surface preparation and the number of coats applied.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart

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Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart?

The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart is perfect for gun owners who enjoy maintaining and restoring their firearms at home. It’s also well-suited for hobbyist gunsmiths who need a reliable cold blue solution for various projects. Individuals who appreciate a deep, dark blue finish will particularly appreciate this product.

Those seeking a truly professional-grade, highly durable finish should consider professional hot blueing services instead. If you are new to gunsmithing and unfamiliar with the surface preparation process, you should start with smaller, less critical projects before tackling entire firearms.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality degreaser, polishing compounds, fine steel wool (0000 grade), cotton swabs, and nitrile gloves for protection.

Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart

The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart is a solid choice for anyone looking to blue or re-blue their firearms at home. Its ability to darken hardened steels sets it apart from many other cold blue solutions on the market. While it requires careful preparation and application, the results are well worth the effort.

At $40.49, the price is justified by the generous quantity and the product’s effectiveness. It’s a worthwhile investment for gun owners who take pride in maintaining their firearms’ appearance.

I would definitely recommend the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart to anyone looking for a reliable and effective cold blue solution. If you are ready to give your firearms a new lease on life, give it a try.

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