Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit Review

First Impressions of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit promises a professional-looking reblue job from the comfort of your workbench. Birchwood Casey, a trusted name in gun care, aims to provide everything needed for touching up blemishes or completely restoring a firearm’s finish with this all-inclusive kit. As someone who takes pride in maintaining my firearms, and who has seen firsthand the frustrations of worn bluing, I was eager to see if this kit lived up to the hype.

Years of handling firearms in the field and on the range have taken their toll on the bluing of some of my prized possessions. I needed a solution that was more than just a touch-up pen, something that would restore the deep, rich finish of a factory blue. The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit seemed like the perfect solution, offering a complete system for cleaning, prepping, and re-bluing metal surfaces.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately pleased with the comprehensive nature of the kit. It included the Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue, cleaner-degreaser, blue & rust remover, applicators, steel wool, and even Barricade Rust Protection Gun Wipes. The inclusion of everything needed, from start to finish, was a definite plus, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the store.

Compared to cold blue liquids I’ve used in the past, the paste formulation intrigued me. The paste promises a deeper, more even finish, which is what ultimately led me to choose this kit over others like the Brownells Oxpho-Blue or the Super Blue from Birchwood Casey. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The kit seemed well-organized and complete, but the real test would be in the application.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I decided to test the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit on an old .22 rifle that had seen better days; its bluing was heavily worn and faded. The project took place in my well-ventilated garage, allowing for proper drying and cleanup. Applying the paste was surprisingly easy, thanks to the included sponge applicators.

The instructions were clear, guiding me through the degreasing, rust removal, and bluing process. Even in the controlled environment of my garage, the humidity and temperature seemed to slightly affect the bluing’s reaction time. After several applications and careful polishing with the steel wool, the rifle began to show a noticeable improvement in its finish.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks, the re-blued rifle still looks significantly better than before, though the finish isn’t as durable as a factory hot blue. There are a couple of spots where the bluing wore through with moderate handling. Regular application of gun oil and the occasional wipe-down with the Barricade wipes has helped to maintain the finish.

The bluing has held up reasonably well considering it’s a cold blue solution, but it does require more frequent maintenance than a professionally hot-blued firearm. It hasn’t outperformed a hot blue, but it has proven to be a convenient and affordable way to improve the aesthetics of my firearm.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit

Specifications

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit is designed for cold bluing steel firearms. The kit includes a 2 oz. jar of Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue, 3 oz. of Cleaner-Degreaser, 3 oz. of Blue & Rust Remover, applicators, 00 steel wool pads, a service cloth, Barricade Rust Protection Gun Wipes, and an instruction guide. The quantity is listed as 12, referring to the number of included items in the kit.

These specifications matter because they determine the scope and effectiveness of the re-bluing process. The Perma Blue Paste provides the actual bluing agent, while the cleaner and rust remover ensure a clean surface for optimal adhesion. The inclusion of steel wool and applicators facilitates the application and polishing process, and the Barricade wipes offer post-treatment rust protection.

Performance & Functionality

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit does a decent job of restoring the bluing on firearms, especially for touch-up work or smaller areas. The paste formulation allows for controlled application, preventing runs and drips. It’s not as durable or deep as a hot blue, but it’s a convenient alternative for DIY enthusiasts.

The kit’s strengths lie in its ease of use and comprehensive nature, but it does have weaknesses. The bluing can be inconsistent depending on the steel’s composition and the environmental conditions. Overall, it meets expectations for a cold blue solution, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The kit is designed for ease of use, with clear instructions and all necessary components included. The paste is easy to apply and control, and the applicators are functional. The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit is user-friendly, even for beginners, though practice and patience are required for optimal results.

Durability & Maintenance

The bluing achieved with the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit is not as durable as a factory hot blue. It requires regular maintenance with gun oil and rust protection wipes. With proper care, the re-blued finish can last for a reasonable amount of time, but it will eventually wear with use and handling.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit includes all the essential accessories for the re-bluing process. It doesn’t offer any customization options beyond the included components. Compatibility with other accessories is limited, as the kit is designed as a standalone solution.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue Finishing Kit