Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz Review

First Thoughts on the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz offers a cost-effective way to restore the finish on your firearms. Birchwood Casey is a well-known name in gun care, and this product promises a uniform, blue-black finish to steel surfaces, excluding stainless steel. This quart-sized bottle offers ample solution for multiple projects, making it an attractive option for gun owners wanting to refresh their firearms’ appearance.

I’ve always been meticulous about maintaining my firearms; however, normal wear and tear inevitably lead to scratches and worn spots. The need to re-blue several of my older hunting rifles without incurring the high cost of professional services pushed me to seek an affordable and reliable DIY solution. I was looking for a product that provided a durable, even finish, and the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz seemed like a strong contender based on its reputation and volume.

Upon receiving the product, the first thing I noticed was the sturdy plastic quart bottle, assuring me of minimal risk of leakage during storage. The liquid itself had a thin consistency, which I anticipated would allow for even application. Compared to paste-based bluing products I’ve used in the past, the liquid formula promised potentially faster and less streaky results. I specifically chose the liquid over the paste version due to the reported faster darkening, aligning with my desire to expedite the re-bluing process on my firearms.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While professional bluing offers a superior finish, the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz presented a practical and budget-friendly alternative for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and protecting the metal surfaces of my firearms. I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of delivering a professional-looking finish at a fraction of the cost.

Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz on an older lever-action .30-30 rifle that had significant wear along the receiver and barrel. The project took place in my well-ventilated workshop, ensuring adequate airflow while working with chemicals. I followed Birchwood Casey’s recommended procedure meticulously, including thorough cleaning and degreasing of the metal surfaces.

The liquid applied easily using the recommended cotton swabs and cloths, but the initial darkening was less dramatic than I anticipated. Several applications were required to achieve a consistent blue-black finish, and maintaining an even coat across larger surfaces proved somewhat challenging. Despite my best efforts, slight streaking was apparent in some areas, requiring additional buffing to blend.

The main surprise was the product’s sensitivity to surface preparation. Areas that I thought were adequately degreased showed uneven bluing, highlighting the critical importance of this step. Even with careful application, achieving a truly flawless finish proved more demanding than expected, requiring patience and attention to detail.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the finish achieved with the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz has proven reasonably durable. The re-blued areas have resisted minor scratches and surface rust, demonstrating adequate protection against environmental elements. While the finish is not as robust as hot bluing, it has noticeably improved the rifle’s overall appearance and offers a protective layer.

There is minimal wear and tear on the finish, even in areas that experience frequent handling. Maintenance involves occasionally wiping down the metal surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent moisture accumulation and preserve the blued finish. This upkeep is standard for any blued firearm, and the Perma Blue finish requires no special treatment beyond regular care.

Compared to cold bluing pens I’ve used in the past for minor touch-ups, the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz delivers a significantly more uniform and durable finish. While it doesn’t match the professional quality of hot bluing, it far surpasses the spotty and less resistant results of bluing pens, offering a worthwhile improvement for the investment of time and effort.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz

Specifications

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz comes in a 32 fluid ounce (1 quart) plastic bottle, providing a generous amount of solution for multiple bluing projects. The liquid formula is designed to provide a blue-black finish to steel, excluding stainless steel, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals. It is crucial to note that this product is specifically formulated for steel and will not work on other metals.

The product’s fast-acting nature is intended to provide a uniform finish, minimizing streaking and maximizing efficiency. The 32-ounce quantity makes it economical for gun owners who need to re-blue several firearms or plan on performing frequent touch-ups. The large size also makes it a good option for gunsmiths or serious hobbyists who regularly work on firearms.

Performance & Functionality

When properly applied, the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz effectively restores the blue-black finish to steel firearms. The solution provides a noticeable aesthetic improvement, covering scratches and worn spots to give the metal a refreshed appearance. This is a significant benefit for maintaining the value and visual appeal of firearms.

However, achieving a truly professional-looking finish requires meticulous surface preparation and careful application. The product is susceptible to streaking if not applied evenly, and inadequate degreasing can result in inconsistent bluing. While the product delivers on its promise of providing a blue-black finish, the degree of success depends heavily on the user’s skill and attention to detail.

Design & Ergonomics

The liquid formula’s thin consistency facilitates easy application using cotton swabs, cloths, or immersion techniques. The 32-ounce plastic bottle is easy to handle and store, minimizing the risk of spills or leaks. The bottle’s design allows for controlled pouring, reducing waste and ensuring accurate application.

There is a slight learning curve associated with achieving optimal results. Users unfamiliar with cold bluing techniques may require practice to master the application process and avoid common pitfalls like streaking or uneven coverage. Reading and carefully following Birchwood Casey’s instructions is crucial for maximizing the product’s effectiveness.

Durability & Maintenance

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz finish provides adequate protection against minor scratches, surface rust, and environmental elements. While not as durable as hot bluing or other professional finishes, it offers a reasonable level of resistance for typical firearm usage. Regular cleaning and oiling will further enhance the finish’s longevity.

Maintaining the finish involves wiping down the metal surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth after each use. The blued finish is relatively easy to touch up if scratches or wear develop over time. The large bottle size makes touch-ups convenient and cost-effective.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz itself does not come with any accessories, but Birchwood Casey offers a range of complementary products designed to enhance the bluing process. These include cleaners, degreasers, and polishing cloths specifically formulated for use with their bluing solutions. Using these Birchwood Casey products in conjunction with the Perma Blue liquid can significantly improve the quality and durability of the finish.

While the Perma Blue solution doesn’t directly relate to firearm customization in terms of accessories like optics or grips, it does allow for aesthetic customization through re-bluing. Gun owners can use the product to restore the original finish to their firearms or create a customized look by selectively bluing certain parts. This offers a degree of personalization not possible with other types of firearm finishes.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz