First Thoughts on the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless products come and go, promising the world but often falling short. I’ve spent years meticulously maintaining and restoring firearms, so when I encountered the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste, I was cautiously optimistic. Could this inexpensive paste truly offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing bluing solution?
My introduction to the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste was born out of necessity. I was restoring an old shotgun that had seen better days; its original bluing was severely worn, and rust was starting to creep in. I needed a reliable bluing method that wouldn’t break the bank or require specialized equipment. Upon receiving the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste, my initial impression was of a no-frills, straightforward product. The 2 oz jar felt solid enough, and the paste itself appeared to have a consistent texture.
Compared to liquid bluing solutions, like Birchwood Casey‘s own Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, or cold blue pens, the paste promised a slower, denser finish. This intrigued me as I was seeking longevity over speed. Having also used Oxpho-Blue in the past, I was interested to see if Perma Blue Gun Paste would offer comparable results, particularly in terms of ease of application and final finish depth.
My first impression was of slight apprehension; cold bluing can be tricky, and paste formulas can sometimes be messy or inconsistent. However, the affordable price of $6.49 made it worth a try. I was eager to see if this seemingly simple product could live up to its promise and breathe new life into my old shotgun.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste to the test on the receiver of my old 12-gauge shotgun. I prepped the surface meticulously, degreasing it thoroughly with acetone. This initial step is crucial for any bluing process.
Working in my workshop, the ambient temperature was around 70°F with moderate humidity. I applied a thin, even coat of the paste using a clean cotton swab, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The paste was easy to apply, with a consistency that allowed for controlled coverage. After the recommended dwell time of a few minutes, I buffed the surface with a clean, lint-free cloth. I immediately noticed a slight darkening, but it was subtle. I was initially concerned about the slow darkening compared to liquid blues. The process required several applications and buffing cycles to achieve a satisfactory depth of color.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on various firearm components, the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste has proven to be surprisingly reliable. It consistently delivers a decent blued finish, although it requires patience and multiple applications. Durability is acceptable; the finish hasn’t shown any signs of flaking or significant wear after regular handling and cleaning.
Maintaining the blued surfaces is straightforward. A light coat of gun oil after cleaning helps to protect the finish and prevent rust. Compared to my experiences with instant liquid blues, the Perma Blue Gun Paste definitely offers a more robust finish that resists wear and tear. However, the initial time investment is significantly higher.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste
Specifications
- Type: Gun Blue. This categorizes the product as a chemical solution designed to alter the surface of steel, creating a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish.
- Size: 2 oz. The quantity provides enough product for multiple touch-up jobs or a complete re-bluing of a smaller firearm.
- Quantity: 1. Indicates a single jar of the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is included in the package.
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste offers a cost-effective solution for achieving a blued finish on firearms. Its paste consistency allows for precise application, making it ideal for both touch-up work and complete re-bluing projects. The slow-acting formula builds a denser finish, enhancing durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste performs its primary function of bluing steel surfaces effectively, although the process is considerably slower than with liquid alternatives. The resulting finish is generally uniform, provided the surface is properly prepared. The paste’s slow-acting nature, while contributing to a denser finish, can be a drawback for those seeking immediate results.
One of the strengths of the Perma Blue Gun Paste is its ability to provide a relatively durable finish compared to faster-acting cold blue solutions. A notable weakness is the time and effort required to achieve the desired depth of color. Ultimately, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly bluing solution, but requires user patience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste comes in a simple, functional jar. The paste itself has a smooth consistency that spreads easily. The design is straightforward and user-friendly, with no complicated instructions.
There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the application technique. Achieving a consistent and even finish requires practice. Overall, the product is relatively easy to use, especially for those with some experience in firearm maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued finish achieved with Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste offers decent durability for a cold bluing solution. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for a reasonable amount of time. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent rust and maintain the finish’s appearance.
Maintaining the blued surface is simple. Application of a quality gun oil is needed after cleaning to protect the metal. Minor scratches can be touched up with additional applications of the paste.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste itself doesn’t come with any accessories. However, its compatibility with standard firearm maintenance tools enhances its versatility. Degreasers, applicators (cotton swabs, cloths), and gun oils are essential complements for optimal results.
While there are no direct customization options for the paste itself, the resulting blued finish can be further enhanced with various protective coatings or waxes. Compatibility with other brands is excellent, as long as the complementary products are designed for use on blued steel.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste
Pros
- Cost-effective: An affordable option for bluing firearms.
- Denser Finish: Builds a more durable finish compared to liquid blues.
- Easy to Use: Simple application process, even for beginners.
- Versatile: Suitable for touch-ups and complete re-bluing projects.
- Precise Application: Paste consistency allows for controlled coverage.
Cons
- Slow Darkening: Requires multiple applications and buffing for desired color.
- Time Intensive: Slower process compared to liquid bluing solutions.
- Requires Patience: Demands user patience to achieve even results.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste?
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is perfect for hobbyist gunsmiths and budget-conscious firearm owners. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy the process of restoring and maintaining their firearms themselves. Individuals looking to perform minor touch-ups or complete re-bluing projects on a budget will find this product particularly useful.
Those who should skip this product include individuals seeking a quick and easy bluing solution with immediate results. Professional gunsmiths or anyone requiring a high-end, factory-grade finish may find the results less satisfactory than hot bluing methods.
Essential accessories include a high-quality degreaser like acetone, various applicators (cotton swabs, lint-free cloths), and a good gun oil for protection.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste provides a decent and cost-effective solution for bluing firearms, though with some caveats. The slower application and multiple coats required might deter those looking for instant gratification. However, the denser, more durable finish achieved with patience makes it a worthwhile option for hobbyists and budget-conscious firearm owners.
The price of $6.49 is definitely justified considering the amount of product and the potential for multiple projects. The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is a solid choice for those willing to invest the time and effort in achieving a satisfactory blued finish.
I would personally recommend the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste to anyone seeking an affordable and reasonably durable cold bluing solution. Take your time, prep your surface well, and enjoy the process of bringing new life to your firearm.