Originally Posted by metrox
i'm working on a winter project - stripping an older steel frame, giving it a fine "brushed" look, and clear coating it with glisten pc. through my research, i've discovered some talk of people bluing bare metal, much like that done with guns/firearms (yes, "gunmetal") - and i'm interested.
does anyone have any experience with this? i'd appreciate some pointers along with any recommendations regarding bluing products. i'm predicting the final product will look pretty rad.
thanks.
Bluing is actually controlled rust. It is a very poor rust preventitive, but looks cool. If the bike has brazed lug steel then the bluing will not adhere to the exposed brazed areas around the lugs. A gunsmith won't be able to handle it because their tanks are about 3' X 6". A better bet is black oxide. It is very similar to bluing and is available in any industrialized city. Check your Yellow Pages for " Metal Finishers" and there should be a few in there.
Personally, I would go with clear powder coat. Whatever the case good luck.
Tim