The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz Made a Bold First Impression
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz promises to be a simple and effective solution for touching up or completely re-bluing firearms. As someone with over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen my share of worn finishes and rusted barrels. This product, from Birchwood Casey, caught my eye as a potentially cost-effective way to restore firearms without the expense of professional bluing.
My personal need for this product arose from inheriting an old .22 rifle from my grandfather. The rifle had significant wear and tear on the bluing from years of use and improper storage. I was looking for an accessible way to restore it to its former glory.
Upon receiving the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz, the first thing I noticed was the ample quantity. The 32-ounce bottle suggests enough product for multiple projects, making it economical. The liquid consistency seemed thinner than other cold bluing solutions I’ve encountered, raising a slight concern about potential streaking.
I considered several similar products, including Brownells Oxpho-Blue and Super Blue from Birchwood Casey. I chose the Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue due to its fast-acting nature and the promise of a uniform finish. I wanted a quick solution for my grandfather’s rifle, and this seemed like the right fit.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The large quantity and the reputable Birchwood Casey name instilled confidence. I was eager to see if the liquid formula could deliver a consistent, professional-looking blue-black finish.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz was on a heavily worn section of the .22 rifle’s barrel. I followed the instructions meticulously, ensuring the metal was thoroughly cleaned and degreased using a dedicated gun cleaner. The application process was straightforward, using a clean cloth to apply the liquid in thin, even coats.
The performance in a controlled, indoor environment was initially promising. The liquid darkened the steel quickly, but the initial coat appeared somewhat uneven. I noticed that proper preparation and multiple thin coats were key to achieving a consistent finish.
After the first application, I didn’t have any major issues, but I saw a few minor streaking problems. It seemed like the key to avoiding this was to apply the solution in very thin coats and to buff the area gently between coats.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple applications on different firearms, the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz held up reasonably well. The finish remained consistent on the areas where I applied it correctly. I found that thorough cleaning and degreasing are absolutely critical to ensure proper adhesion and prevent flaking.
Durability proved to be acceptable, but not exceptional. High-wear areas, such as the edges of the receiver, showed some signs of fading over time. Regular maintenance with a quality gun oil helped to protect the blued surfaces and extend the lifespan of the finish.
Maintaining the blued surfaces was easy. Cleaning the firearms with gun oil was enough to remove any debris and to protect the metal underneath. I found that the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz outperformed some cheaper alternatives, but it didn’t quite match the durability of a professional hot bluing job.
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 is a cold bluing solution designed for touching up or completely re-bluing most guns (except stainless steel, aluminum, or non-ferrous metals). It comes in a 32 fluid ounce (1 quart) plastic bottle, offering ample product for multiple applications. Its fast-acting liquid formula is intended to provide a non-streaky, uniform blue-black finish.
This product’s liquid form allows for easy application using cotton swabs, cloths, or brushes. The large bottle size makes it economical for users who frequently touch up or re-blue their firearms. The limitation to steel (excluding stainless, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals) is important to note to avoid disappointment or damage to incompatible firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz does its job effectively, provided the user follows the instructions meticulously. Accuracy in achieving a uniform finish is highly dependent on proper surface preparation and application technique. Its reliability for touch-ups is excellent, but complete re-bluing requires patience and skill to avoid streaking.
The product’s strengths lie in its ease of use for small repairs and its ability to quickly darken steel. Weaknesses include the potential for streaking if not applied carefully and the limited durability compared to professional bluing methods. Overall, it meets expectations for a cold bluing solution, offering a decent finish at an affordable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz comes in a standard plastic bottle with a screw-top lid. Its liquid form is easy to pour and apply with various tools. There is no specific ergonomic design to note, as the bottle is simply a container for the chemical solution.
The product is user-friendly, with clear instructions provided on the bottle. However, achieving optimal results requires some practice and attention to detail, especially for larger areas. A novice user might experience a slight learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the blued finish achieved with Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz is moderate. High-wear areas may require occasional touch-ups to maintain their appearance. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and oiling, can significantly extend the lifespan of the finish.
The product itself requires minimal maintenance. Simply ensure the bottle is tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation or contamination. The blued surfaces should be cleaned and oiled regularly to protect them from rust and wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz does not come with any accessories. Users will need to provide their own cleaning supplies, applicators (cloths, swabs, brushes), and degreasers. There are no specific customization options directly related to the product itself.
However, the resulting blued finish can be further customized with various gun coatings or protective oils. The product is compatible with most standard gun cleaning and maintenance products from other brands. Note that the bluing process itself is a type of customization, altering the appearance of the firearm’s metal surfaces.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz
Pros
- Provides a decent blue-black finish on steel.
- Easy to apply for touch-ups and small areas.
- Economical due to the large 32 oz bottle size.
- Fast-acting formula saves time.
- Cost-effective alternative to professional bluing.
Cons
- Can produce streaky results if not applied carefully.
- Less durable than hot bluing or other professional finishes.
- Not suitable for stainless steel, aluminum, or non-ferrous metals.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz?
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz is perfect for gun owners who want a simple and affordable way to touch up worn or scratched bluing on their firearms. It is also suitable for hobbyists and gunsmiths who need a cost-effective solution for smaller bluing projects. Collectors looking to restore vintage firearms without the expense of professional refinishing may also find this product valuable.
Those seeking a highly durable, professional-grade finish should skip this product. Individuals working with stainless steel, aluminum, or non-ferrous metals should also avoid this product, as it is not compatible. Additionally, those who are not detail-oriented or lack patience may find the application process frustrating due to the potential for streaking.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality gun degreaser, fine steel wool, lint-free cloths, and gun oil for maintenance. Proper preparation and aftercare are essential for achieving optimal results.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz offers a practical solution for touching up and restoring bluing on firearms. While it requires careful application and may not match the durability of professional bluing, it delivers a decent finish at an affordable price. The large 32 oz bottle provides excellent value for money, making it a worthwhile investment for gun owners and hobbyists.
At $34.99, the price is justified for the amount of product and the ability to perform multiple touch-ups or even complete re-bluing projects. I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking for a cost-effective way to maintain the appearance of their firearms. Just remember to take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and be prepared to apply multiple thin coats for the best results.
If you’re looking to restore the finish on your favorite firearm without breaking the bank, give the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, 32 oz a try. You might be surprised at the results you can achieve with a little patience and effort.