I've always applied paste wax (Johnson's) on my interior stuff when it still has the grey scale color from forging which gives me a black finish. I recently found some candleholders I had made almost 10 yrs ago but never finished so they were coated in a thick rust. I have a sandblaster that I had inherited from my folks but hadn't used so I tried that for rust removal. I loved how it completely cleaned nooks and crannies in no time at all, but wasn't pleased with the dull grey I was left with. I put it to the wire wheel and shined it up then started heating with a torch. I liked the look as the colors started to run so I took the heat off and waxed it. I know that i can scratch or wire wheel the surface color off but will it hold up over time and/or on something like a hook that gets a lot of rubbing when things go off an on it?

-Tim

Temper bluing is fairly thin and will rust or wear off with time.

Temper bouing will not last. If you want blue you can use gun boue touchup it will last longer but it has to be very clean to give an even coating and it will also wear away after is is rubbed for a while. you can get it at any gun shop I have even found it at Walmart on occasion.

On an indoor piece it can last a long time, but it is delicate. A good clear coat is one answer to making it last.

Phil

Thanks for the info and the correction on terminology.

Gun bluing is great stuff, so I agree with that recommendation.