Ruger "dark" stainless finish?

[rking22]

I cannot remember what they called it but, does anyone know if that type finish can be achieved without Ruger's deep pockets. Paint is not an option for what I want. The thread on scotch brite got me interested again. I was wondering if I "evenly contaminated" the stainless surface with a carbon steel brush if it would then take a rust blue enough to "get rid of the silver". And yes I know I'm nutts, just want to darken a barrel I made form a Green Mountain blank for a 10-22 squirrel rifle. Really like the way it handles and shoots but just don't like the stainless barrel,I have already bead blasted it.

[MBTcustom]

Use this:
http://www.caswellplating.com/metal-finishing-solutions/stainless-steel-blackener/stainless-steel-blackener-8-fl-oz.html

I will tell you for your own good: Use it outdoors, wear rubber gloves, and do not breathe the vapors.

[DougGuy]

Got any pics of how this stuff looks like goodsteel?

[rking22]

Thanks Goodsteel, that looks like it may be just the ticket ! I'll second anypics??? And in your experience, does it need a sealer?

20$ + 15 shipping (unless I want UPS Freight for 165$!!!!!) and all good reviews, looks good :)

[MBTcustom]

Sure. Here's a 50 caliber barrel made of 416SS that I used the stuff on. It's very tough, and unlike cold blue cannot be rubbed off or lightened with vigorous rubbing with a steel wool pad.
121103
121105You will notice it's slightly paler than true hot tank bluing like this, but its pretty close.

As to your question about a sealer? What? are you afraid it's going to rust or something? LOL!

[grrifles]

Goodsteel is right. I used it to blacken some stainless glock barrels. Works great and don't turn you back when you put it in there. lol

[DCM]

Thanks for the tip Tim. Just what I have been looking for, for a special project.

[rking22]

Hey Goodsteel, thanks for the pic and info on the durability ! Thats just what I was looking for!

[MBTcustom]

Just be careful to wear rubber gloves and use this stuff with adequate ventilation. Its dangerous!
I was using the stuff in my shop with the door open. Next thing I knew I felt nauseous and felt I was going to faint. I removed to fresh air and after about 30 minutes started to feel normal again. No telling how many neurons I killed that day.

[Love Life]

That's actually pretty good looking, Tim. I may go with that as the finish for the next box of parts I send your way.

[John Allen]

ok, I am going to have to try this stuff it looks pretty cool.

[DougGuy]

Wow that does look good! Wonder how it would work on a high gloss Ruger Vaquero?

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Birdshead%20Vaquero/DSC01517_zpsf2299cee.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Birdshead%20Vaquero/DSC01517_zpsf2299cee.jpg.html)

[rking22]

Anoher thread reminded me to get back to his project. I just bought a Rossi 511 (4inch J frame size kit gun) that shoots very well. I may go aheadd and dive in on the 10-22 barrel and then see if I want o try it on the Rossi.

[DCM]

I finally got some time to try out the Caswell stuff Tim recommended.
Beautiful!!!
If the area to be blackened is highly polished it will look Very Close to being blued, If it is rough it will darken nicely and give a very interesting finish. I will try to get pics, but I am not blessed with good camera skills.

[EDG]

You can try something that is used in the medical industry for titanium parts.
Blast your parts using sodium bicarbonate. On titanium it turns battleship gray. Stainless will probably be a dull silver color.

If you want it even more dull, wet blasting might do that.

Just remember that if you blast thin sections you can warp or bend the part.