First Impressions of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit promises to be an all-in-one solution for touching up or completely re-blueing firearms. With its fast-acting liquid formula and comprehensive set of included items, it aims to deliver a professional-looking blue-black finish at home. Birchwood Casey is a well-known name in firearm maintenance, and this kit attempts to bring their expertise directly to the gun owner.
A friend of mine inherited an old .22 rifle with a finish that looked like it had spent a decade buried in a sandbox. I offered to help restore it as a favor, and this kit seemed like the perfect solution for bringing the metal back to life. My initial hope was for a product that was easy to use, provided a durable finish, and didn’t require a professional-grade workshop to achieve.
Upon opening the kit, I was immediately struck by the completeness of it. It included everything necessary for the job; from the cleaner/degreaser to the blueing solution itself. Compared to standalone blueing solutions I’ve used in the past, this kit felt like a more thoughtfully curated package, aiming for a truly comprehensive experience.
I considered using Brownells Oxpho-Blue or even a cold blue pen for this project. However, the Birchwood Casey kit’s promise of a more uniform and robust finish, along with the all-inclusive nature of the package, ultimately swayed my decision. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if the kit could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit in my garage, which I converted into a temporary workshop. The rifle parts were meticulously cleaned and degreased, following the kit’s instructions. The application process itself was surprisingly straightforward, involving multiple thin coats of the blueing solution with fine steel wool between each coat.
The initial coats appeared somewhat uneven and streaky, which initially caused some concern. However, with each subsequent coat, the finish deepened and began to even out. The ambient temperature in my garage was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which seemed to be ideal for the chemical reaction.
There was a slight learning curve involved in achieving the desired depth of color; it required patience and careful application. The instructions recommended several coats, and I found this to be accurate. After the initial application, I noticed a few small areas that needed further attention, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and even application.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks, the blued finish on the rifle parts has proven to be reasonably durable. There are no signs of peeling or flaking, and the finish has maintained its color and luster. Regular cleaning with a silicone cloth has kept the metal protected from rust and corrosion.
The finish has held up well to handling and light use, showing only minor scratches in areas that experience frequent contact. The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit definitely offers a noticeable improvement over leaving the metal bare or relying on cheaper, less effective touch-up solutions.
Compared to some professional hot blueing processes, the Perma Blue finish may not be quite as hard-wearing. However, for a DIY kit, it provides a respectable level of protection and aesthetic appeal. This kit is a viable option for gun owners seeking to improve the appearance and protection of their firearms without incurring the cost of professional services.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit includes the following key components: Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, cleaner-degreaser, fine steel wool, applicators, and instructions. This kit is designed for use on most guns, excluding stainless steel, aluminum, or non-ferrous metals. The quantity of kits per case is 12, making it suitable for retailers or those with multiple firearms to maintain.
The kit’s liquid blueing solution is formulated to react chemically with carbon steel, creating a layer of blue-black iron oxide. The cleaner-degreaser is critical for removing oils and contaminants, ensuring proper adhesion of the blueing solution. The included steel wool is used to lightly polish the surface between coats, promoting an even and consistent finish. These specifications are important because they directly impact the quality and longevity of the blued finish.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit performs admirably in touching up existing finishes or completely re-blueing firearms. It provides a relatively even and consistent blue-black finish, although achieving a truly professional result requires patience and skill. The cleaner-degreaser effectively removes oils and contaminants, which is crucial for proper adhesion.
The kit’s strengths lie in its ease of use and comprehensive nature. Its weakness is that it may require multiple applications to achieve the desired depth of color and uniformity. Overall, the kit meets expectations for a DIY gun blueing solution, offering a cost-effective alternative to professional services.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit is designed with the user in mind, providing all necessary components in one convenient package. The kit’s materials are of decent quality for the price point. The bottles are adequately sized for small to medium-sized projects.
The kit is fairly user-friendly, with clear instructions provided. A novice may experience a slight learning curve, but the process is generally straightforward. The overall design prioritizes ease of use and accessibility for the average gun owner.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Perma Blue finish is generally good, although it is not as hard-wearing as hot blueing. With proper care and maintenance, the finish should last for a reasonable amount of time. Regular cleaning with a silicone cloth and occasional reapplication of the blueing solution in high-wear areas will help to maintain its appearance and protective qualities.
Maintaining the finish is relatively easy, requiring only basic cleaning and occasional touch-ups. The ease of maintenance is a significant advantage for gun owners who prefer to handle their own firearm maintenance. This kit is a practical solution for preserving the aesthetic and functional integrity of blued firearms.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit does not offer extensive customization options. The primary accessory included is the fine steel wool for polishing between coats. While the kit doesn’t directly support customization, the blued finish can serve as a base for further enhancements, such as applying protective coatings or custom grips.
The kit’s compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited, as it primarily focuses on the blueing process itself. However, the blued finish is compatible with most standard gun cleaning and maintenance products. This kit’s strength lies in its simplicity and focused purpose: to provide a reliable and accessible gun blueing solution.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit
Pros
- Provides a decent blue-black finish at home.
- All-inclusive kit contains everything needed.
- Relatively easy to use with clear instructions.
- Cost-effective alternative to professional blueing.
- Noticeably improves the appearance of firearms.
Cons
- May require multiple applications for uniform finish.
- Not as durable as professional hot blueing.
- Not suitable for stainless steel, aluminum, or non-ferrous metals.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit?
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit is perfect for gun owners who want to touch up or completely re-blue their firearms at home. It’s also suited for hobbyists and gun enthusiasts who enjoy performing their own maintenance and restoration work. This kit is a good option for individuals looking for a cost-effective way to improve the appearance and protection of their blued firearms.
This product is not suitable for those seeking a truly professional-grade finish or those working with stainless steel, aluminum, or non-ferrous metals. Individuals who are uncomfortable working with chemicals or who lack the patience for detailed work should also avoid this product. A good set of degreasing gloves is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit
The Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit provides a viable and affordable solution for home gun blueing. It offers a reasonable balance of ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and finish quality. While it may not match the durability or aesthetic perfection of professional hot blueing, it represents a significant improvement over leaving metal unprotected.
The price of around $22.00 is justified by the kit’s comprehensive nature and the decent results it delivers. I would personally recommend this kit to gun owners who are comfortable performing their own maintenance and who are seeking a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of their blued firearms. If you’re looking to breathe new life into an old firearm or simply want to maintain the finish on your current guns, the Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Finishing Liquid Kit is definitely worth considering.