Type of Finishes

Factory Finish – We polish the metal to a 400-grit finish prior to bluing for a semi-gloss finish.  This is an equivalent or better polish than most standard factory blued finishes.

Custom Polish Finish – We hand polish the metal to a 400 or 600-grit finish with a lengthwise hand polish.

Custom Satin Finish – We polish the metal to a 400-grit finish, bead blast with aluminum oxide media and then wire-wheel after blasting and prior to bluing.  Another good non-glare finish with a softer sheen than the standard matte finish.

Deluxe Finish – We polish the metal to a 600-1200-grit finish prior to bluing for a high gloss finish.

Master Finish – We hand polish the metal to a 2000 grit finish for a mirror-like finish.  This is a very high gloss finish.

Matte Finish – We polish the metal to a 400-grit finish to improve the underlying metal, then bead blast with a glass media prior to bluing.  This is a good non-glare finish.

Blue Dip – We run your prepared parts through the tanks.  You’ll need to completely prepare your metal.  See the FAQ section for important information on our dip service requirements.

Slow Rust Blue – We polish the metal to a 400-grit finish, then blue the firearm by using the traditional hand-application method.  The result is a durable, traditional slow-rust blue sheen.  This finish is necessary on soft-soldered double-barrels and ribs, as soft-solder will not withstand the hot bluing process.

Parkerizing – Parkerizing is a chemical process using a low strength acid combined with either Manganese  (usually WWII up to summer of 1944 and then again on all post war new production) or Zinc ( summer of 1944 to end of WWII and post war rebuilds).  The metal is media blasted and then submerged in the acid bath at about 180 degrees.  This etches the metal from the acid bath into the work piece.  A good park job is important because it provides a porous surface for the rifle to hold oil and prevent rust.

  • Parkerizing Manganese– With the use of glass-bead abrasive to blast the metal, then parkerize the metal in the traditional method.  The result can be a range in colour from light to dark, depending on the hardness and quality of the metal.  This approximates utilitarian military finishes.
  • Parkerizing Zinc – A Zinc finish is a little lighter and has a gray/charcoal look. Also with the use of glass-bead abrasive to blast the metal, then parkerize the metal in the traditional method.  The result can be a range of matte greys, from light to dark, also depending on the hardness and quality of the metal.

Nitre Bluing – High-polish the metal and hand blue the parts at very high temperatures.  This results in a variety of colors, from straw to bright blue.  This technique is specifically utilized only on small parts, and serves as a traditional accent.

Cerakote – This is a highly durable ceramic-based coating that is sprayed on and baked.  We polish the metal to a 400-grit finish, then bead blast with aluminum oxide prior to Cerakote application.

Common colors of Cerakote are Coyote Tan, Flat Dark Earth, O.D. Green, Savage Stainless, Tungsten Gray, Midnight Blue and Graphite Black.