The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart Made a Bold First Impression
The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart promises a double-strength blueing solution for those tough-to-blue steels. I’ve always been a proponent of maintaining firearms, and a good blueing solution is a vital part of that process. This offering from Birchwood Casey caught my eye due to its claims of working on highly polished and hardened steels, something many other solutions struggle with.
As someone who restores older firearms and occasionally modifies newer ones, I needed a reliable blueing solution that could handle a variety of steel types. My current go-to blueing solution was struggling with a stubborn nickel-chromium alloy on a Mauser bolt. The promise of Super Blue’s extra strength and blackest blue finish was alluring.
Unboxing the quart-sized bottle, my initial impression was that it was a serious, professional-grade product. The bottle is sturdy, and the labeling is clear and informative, instilling confidence. The size ensures I’ll have plenty on hand for multiple projects.
I’ve used Birchwood Casey’s Perma Blue in the past, and while decent for general use, it didn’t quite deliver the deep black finish I was after. Compared to Perma Blue and cold blue solutions from Brownells, the Liquid Super Blue seemed like a step up in terms of intended use on challenging steel alloys. My hope was that it would offer superior adhesion and color.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The claims were bold, and the reputation of Birchwood Casey is generally good. I was eager to see if the Liquid Super Blue could live up to the hype and solve my nickel-chromium blueing problem.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test subject was the aforementioned Mauser bolt with the nickel-chromium alloy. I thoroughly degreased and polished the bolt to prepare it for blueing. The process was done in my workshop, with good ventilation.
The solution was easy to apply with a cotton swab. The instructions were followed carefully. The initial application resulted in a slightly uneven blueing, likely due to variations in the alloy composition. This was rectified with subsequent applications, as directed.
There were no major surprises. The solution reacted as expected with the steel. Multiple coats and fine steel wool polishing were required.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on various firearm parts, the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart continues to impress. It consistently delivers a deep, dark blue finish on most steels. Proper surface preparation is critical for optimal results.
The blueing has proven reasonably durable, showing minimal wear after regular handling and cleaning. A light coat of oil after blueing helps protect the finish. The solution is relatively easy to maintain; no special cleaners are required.
Compared to my previous experiences with other cold blue solutions, the Liquid Super Blue provides a noticeably more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. It outperforms Perma Blue in terms of depth of color and adhesion, especially on harder steels. I have noticed though that on steels not polished to an extreme shine that it can produce a matte finish.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart
Specifications
Type: Blueing Liquid. The product is a chemical solution designed to induce a controlled oxidation (rusting) process on steel surfaces.
Size: 32oz (1 Quart). This provides a substantial amount of solution for multiple blueing projects.
Quantity: 1. One quart-sized bottle of Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue.
These specifications are crucial because they indicate the product’s purpose, volume, and intended longevity. The size ensures value for money for someone undertaking multiple gunsmithing projects, and knowing the quantity ensures you receive the appropriate amount.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart excels at blueing highly polished steel and hardened steels containing nickel and chrome alloys. It delivers a deep, dark blue/black finish when applied correctly. Its strength lies in its ability to work where weaker solutions fail.
The main strength is its ability to blue challenging steels. A weakness is that it requires meticulous surface preparation. It mostly meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The liquid is easy to apply with various tools like cotton swabs or brushes. The bottle is robust and easy to handle. The design is functional.
The product is relatively user-friendly but requires some experience to achieve optimal results. Beginners might benefit from watching instructional videos. Some experience is required to get the process correct the first time.
Durability & Maintenance
When properly applied and protected with oil, the blueing provides reasonable durability. It is expected to last for several years with proper care. The longevity of the finish is significantly impacted by how often the fire arm or gun part is handled.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning and oiling of the blued surface. No special tools or chemicals are required. Maintaining the product is as easy as adding gun oil from time to time.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart. However, various accessories can be used in conjunction with it.
These include degreasers, polishing compounds, steel wool, cotton swabs, and protective oils. The Liquid Super Blue is compatible with virtually any standard gunsmithing tools and oils.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart
Pros
- Extremely effective on difficult-to-blue steels like nickel-chromium alloys.
- Delivers a deep, dark blue/black finish that enhances the appearance of firearms.
- One quart size provides ample solution for multiple projects, making it cost-effective.
- Relatively easy to apply with basic tools and readily available supplies.
- Provides a good balance of professional-grade results with user-friendly application.
Cons
- Requires meticulous surface preparation to achieve consistent and even results.
- Can be messy if not handled carefully, and may affect existing blueing.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart?
The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart is perfect for gunsmiths, firearm restorers, and serious hobbyists who need a reliable blueing solution for a variety of steel types. If you work on older firearms or modify newer ones, this product is a valuable asset. It is best to have prior experience with other blueing products before using this one.
This product is not ideal for beginners or those looking for a quick and easy touch-up solution. Its extra strength can be unforgiving if not used with care and precision.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality degreaser to ensure the steel surface is perfectly clean. Also, fine steel wool and gun oil are essential for achieving a professional-looking finish.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart
The Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart is a powerful and effective blueing solution that delivers on its promise of providing a deep, dark finish on challenging steels. While it requires careful preparation and application, the results are well worth the effort.
At around $40, the price is justified for the quantity and performance it offers. This is a professional-grade solution at a reasonable price.
I would personally recommend the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart to anyone serious about firearm maintenance and restoration. If you’re looking to achieve a truly professional-looking blue finish on your firearms, especially those with difficult-to-blue alloys, give this a try. Add the Birchwood Casey Liquid Super Blue/1 Quart to your gunsmithing toolkit and experience the difference it can make!