Bluing Steel Frames

compositepro

· #2 · Nov 22, 2021

bsmerin said:
Hi All
I'm thinking of bluing a steel fillet brazed frame, before clear coating. I know this may need to be sandblasted and re-done every couple of years, but I'd be interested in best bluing techniques for bicycle frames?

define bluing there are several different types

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Hi. I know there are different types and that's part of the reason for asking for advice on which would be best for a bicycle frame. I'm aware of the following types:
Hot bluing, Rust bluing, Fume bluing, Cold bluing, Niter bluing, Colour case hardening and Browning. I'm thinking that Browning and Rust bluing are not suitable, but maybe cold bluing is?

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JackOfDiamonds

· #4 · Nov 22, 2021

Cold bluing is dead easy but I think you have to immerse the part...good luck finding a giant tank full of bluing solution.

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B3nnyH

· #5 · Nov 22, 2021

you definitely don't have to immerse the part to cold blue it, you can just wipe the bluing solution on the part.

Cold bluing alone is probably less than ideal if applied alone because it gives minimal corrosion resistance. If you clear coat it as you indicated it would probably give a very beautiful finish.

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Cleared2land

· #6 · Nov 22, 2021

Cold bluing that I have done can easily be applied by rag, brush or vat.

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bsmerin

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 22, 2021

B3nnyH said:
you definitely don't have to immerse the part to cold blue it, you can just wipe the bluing solution on the part.

Cold bluing alone is probably less than ideal if applied alone because it gives minimal corrosion resistance. If you clear coat it as you indicated it would probably give a very beautiful finish.

Yep I think cold bluing followed by a clear coat, leaving the fillets unfinished. It’s goi g to look awesome.

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compositepro

· #8 · Nov 22, 2021

bsmerin said:
Hi. I know there are different types and that's part of the reason for asking for advice on which would be best for a bicycle frame. I'm awarefollo
Hot bluing, Rust bluing, Fume bluing, Cold bluing, Niter bluing, Colour case hardening and Browning. I'm thinking that Browning and Rust bluing are not suitable, but maybe cold bluing is?

ok im not going to go into anything because basically its a waste but heres one from someone who posts on flikr

https://flic.kr/p/8aYKqe
And heres the last time the question was asked on here

Bluing steel frames

Has anyone finished a steel frame with bluing? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_%28steel%29 It may be a hair brained idea but I think it might look good although it seems like a lot of work.

www.mtbr.com

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fuzz_muffin

· #9 · Nov 25, 2021

I've done it before, works fine.

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bsmerin

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 25, 2021

fuzz_muffin said:
I've done it before, works fine. View attachment 1958485

Thanks for sharing. Did you then clearcoat the frame and if so, 1-2 years later how is it looking?

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fuzz_muffin

· #11 · Nov 25, 2021

bsmerin said:
Thanks for sharing. Did you then clearcoat the frame and if so, 1-2 years later how is it looking?

Rattle can clear, cheap spec.
Looks like **** after a good year of use in high wear areas but all that is due to the rubbish clear. The blue-oxide is still there and looks fairly stable, but some red-oxides are starting to fight for space.
Note the finish is not uniform, as it is applied with a rag. Has a sort of woodgrain-ish like appearance with dark blues and greens. Contrasts nicely against the bronze fillets.

Using two-pack clear will result in a more hardy finish, powder even more so. Problem with powder is that you have to get it coated quick smart after the treatment.

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bsmerin

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 25, 2021

fuzz_muffin said:
Rattle can clear, cheap spec.
Looks like **** after a good year of use in high wear areas but all that is due to the rubbish clear. The blue-oxide is still there and looks fairly stable, but some red-oxides are starting to fight for space.
Note the finish is not uniform, as it is applied with a rag. Has a sort of woodgrain-ish like appearance with dark blues and greens. Contrasts nicely against the bronze fillets.

Using two-pack clear will result in a more hardy finish, powder even more so. Problem with powder is that you have to get it coated quick smart after the treatment.

Thanks. Yes I’ll be doing a powder clear straight after the bluing treatment. My main concern was whether the bluing promotes more corrosion to start underneath the clear, but I’m guessing if it’s properly sealed it shouldn’t be an issue. I’d love to see some pics of you’re prepared to share? Bluing against fillet looks awesome in my opinion.

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fuzz_muffin

· #13 · Nov 25, 2021

bsmerin said:
Thanks. Yes I’ll be doing a powder clear straight after the bluing treatment. My main concern was whether the bluing promotes more corrosion to start underneath the clear, but I’m guessing if it’s properly sealed it shouldn’t be an issue. I’d love to see some pics of you’re prepared to share? Bluing against fillet looks awesome in my opinion.

I think you may still get the issue of 'rust veins' even with a clear powder, but that is just a guess.

I'll see what I can do re the photos, things are a little busy at the moment, photos are all over the place and not very good anyway.
On top of that I'm not much of a sharer, too much actual life stress to bother with the added fun of posting my personal work on a public forum.

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TraxFactory

· #14 · Nov 25, 2021

I have done quite a bit of gun blue on steel furniture. Depending on the clear coat or wax you use it can last for many years. I love the look. The more you apply and longer the application the darker it gets. I think it would look stunning on a frame with a semi-gloss or matte finish...

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OldSchoolMBer

· #15 · Nov 25, 2021

I don't know a lot about bluing but my understanding of it from firearms is the quality of the bluing has much to do with the metal prep. To get the deep glossy finish they bring the metal to a polish before hot bluing it. Less prep, the more it looks like blue colored metal.

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bsmerin

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 1, 2021

4

OldSchoolMBer said:
I don't know a lot about bluing but my understanding of it from firearms is the quality of the bluing has much to do with the metal prep. To get the deep glossy finish they bring the metal to a polish before hot bluing it. Less prep, the more it looks like blue colored metal.

Just thought I’d share a test bit that I’ve done for the paint shop to do a test clear coat.

Household hardware Finger Nickel Material property Building

Liquid Bottle Bottle cap Solution Glass bottle

Household hardware Cylinder Gas Auto part Tints and shades

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compositepro

· #17 · Dec 1, 2021

OldSchoolMBer said:
I don't know a lot about bluing but my understanding of it from firearms is the quality of the bluing has much to do with the metal prep. To get the deep glossy finish they bring the metal to a polish before hot bluing it. Less prep, the more it looks like blue colored metal.

exactly this