cleaning tarnished color case hardening

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I'd heard about the way Ruger was coloring their frames, so opted for the all-blue version. Here's a comparison to a Uberti, which I believe is colored in the old time conventional manner using bone charcoal. It is my understanding that Mr. Turnbull uses the cyanide and air agitation process. He certainly gets some brilliant colors. Few gunsmiths will use cyanide because it's deadly if not handled with great caution. Of the two, below, I prefer the Uberti, perhaps an older obsolete design compared to the Ruger, but in this case a much better shooter.
Attachment 167849

[oldred]

It is my understanding that Mr. Turnbull uses the cyanide and air agitation process

They do for color case hardening of low carbon or softer steels but for coloring of alloys such as 4140, 4150 etc that won't work, at least for conventional methods anyway. They will do some high strength alloy parts and receivers but some they will not do, whatever their methods they use on those steels they won't say but I have seen pics of a color cased Ruger no.1 so for sure they can do certain high strength receivers. I think that those are considered on an individual basis and the customer must discuss their particular application before they will agree to doing the job.

[roundgun]

Thanks for the replies gents. I am going to start slow with just oil and soft cloth, and finish with wax. with any luck I may revive some of the color I can still see. I might still give the cold blue a shot.

[oldred]

Well since this thread started I tried the cold blue trick on a faded Colt New Frontier frame and I'm happy to say it does indeed do what these guys suggested it would! I would recommend approaching slowly and just use a cotton swab to dab small areas, it should quickly become apparent what areas will benefit and by how much just don't overdo it. It sure perked up that little Colt revolver, thanks guys for the suggestion!