The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste Made a Bold First Impression
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste promises a longer-lasting bluing finish, a compelling claim that immediately piqued my interest. As someone who restores firearms and maintains a collection, I’m always seeking durable and effective bluing solutions. My experience with firearm finishes ranges from hot bluing to various liquid blues, and I was curious to see how this paste formula would compare.
I was led to the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste by a nagging problem. I had a lever-action rifle with a finish that had seen better days; the original bluing was thin and uneven, exposing the bare metal underneath. Several popular liquid bluing solutions I’d tried previously had yielded inconsistent results; the finishes were often too light or wore off quickly with handling. I needed a more robust solution for touch-ups and potentially a complete re-blue.
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste arrived in a small, unassuming jar. Upon opening, I was greeted by a dark, almost black, paste with a distinct chemical odor. The consistency reminded me of shoe polish, thick and slightly greasy to the touch. The build quality was as expected, a no-frills container holding a product designed for function over form.
Compared to Birchwood Casey‘s liquid Perma Blue, the paste promises a denser, more durable finish. Other options I considered were cold blue pens for small touch-ups, and a professional hot bluing service, although the later can be costly. The decision to try the Perma Blue Gun Paste came down to its advertised longevity and ease of use for larger areas compared to pens, and its cost-effectiveness compared to hot bluing.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The paste appeared to be well-formulated, but the proof, as they say, would be in the application. The claim of a slower darkening process didn’t bother me; in fact, I appreciated the idea of having more control over the final finish.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test subject was an old .22 rifle with some surface rust and worn bluing on the barrel. I prepped the metal by thoroughly cleaning it with degreaser and fine steel wool to remove any rust. I applied a thin, even coat of the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste with a clean cloth, following the instructions on the jar.
The application process was straightforward, though it did require some patience. Unlike instant blues, the Perma Blue Gun Paste didn’t produce immediate results. After several applications and allowing ample time for the paste to react with the metal, I began to see a noticeable darkening. Working in my well-ventilated garage, the paste didn’t have too strong of an oder, which was welcome.
After the first use, the results were encouraging. The bluing was deeper and more even than I had achieved with other cold bluing products. There were no immediate issues, though I was eager to see how it would hold up over time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve re-blued various parts, from small screws to complete barrels, with the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste. I’ve noticed that the finish continues to darken and deepen with repeated applications, resulting in a rich, almost black, appearance. The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste proved more durable and resistant to wear than liquid alternatives.
The bluing has held up well to regular handling and cleaning. I even tested its resistance to gun oil and solvents, and it showed no signs of fading or discoloration. Maintenance involves simply wiping down the blued surfaces with a silicone cloth to protect the finish.
Compared to my previous experiences with liquid cold blues, the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste has significantly outperformed them in terms of durability and the depth of color. The paste has become my go-to solution for touch-ups and re-bluing projects on my firearms.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is a cold bluing compound designed for touching up or completely re-bluing firearms. Its key specification is its paste consistency, which allows for controlled and even application. It reacts slowly with the metal, building up a denser, more durable finish compared to liquid blues. The paste comes in a small jar (typically around 3 ounces) and is suitable for use on steel and iron surfaces. The paste is reasonably priced at $6.49, making it a cost-effective option for firearm maintenance.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the ease of use, the quality of the finish, and the overall longevity of the bluing. The paste consistency minimizes runs and drips, while the slow-reacting formula allows for better control over the final color.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Its slow-acting nature allows for precise control over the bluing process, preventing over-darkening and ensuring an even finish. It’s far more effective at filling minor scratches and imperfections than liquid alternatives I have tried.
The primary strength of the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is its durability. It also allows better control of how dark of a blue you’re trying to achieve. One area that could be improved is the initial darkening speed.
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste has exceeded my expectations. The depth of color and the overall durability of the finish are impressive, especially considering the ease of application.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste design is simple and functional. The paste’s consistency makes it easy to apply evenly, and the small jar is convenient to handle and store. The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste comes in a glass jar so you should take precautions when storing it and handling it.
The product is user-friendly. There is a slight learning curve to determine the perfect application process and how long to leave the product on before you can achieve your desired finish.
Durability & Maintenance
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is designed for long-lasting results. The finish is more resistant to wear, scratches, and solvents than those achieved with liquid cold blues.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a silicone cloth is sufficient to protect the blued surfaces.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it’s compatible with various cleaning and preparation products, such as degreasers, steel wool, and polishing cloths. There are no customization options, as the product is solely focused on providing a bluing finish.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste
Pros
- Durable, long-lasting finish.
- Controlled application process with slow darkening.
- Effective at filling minor scratches and imperfections.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Cost-effective compared to other bluing methods.
Cons
- Slower darkening process compared to liquid blues.
- Requires multiple applications for optimal results.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste?
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is perfect for gunsmiths, firearms collectors, and anyone who enjoys maintaining and restoring their own firearms. It’s also ideal for individuals who need to touch up worn bluing or re-blue entire firearms.
This product might not be suitable for those seeking an instant bluing solution or those who are uncomfortable working with chemicals.
A must-have accessory would be a good degreaser, such as Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber, and fine steel wool for surface preparation.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste is a highly effective and durable cold bluing solution that delivers impressive results. While it requires patience and multiple applications, the resulting finish is far superior to that achieved with most liquid blues.
The price of $6.49 is more than justified given the product’s performance and longevity. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to touch up or re-blue their firearms.
If you want a durable, controlled bluing solution, give the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Gun Paste a try. You won’t be disappointed!