What is Charcoal Bluing?
Capturing the proper shade and texture of original charcoal bluing (sometimes referred to as machine bluing or carbona bluing) finish depends largely on the underlying metal polish. Metal parts are placed in a gas-fired furnace with animal bone and sperm whale oil, or equivalent. The end result is a hard-wearing finish with colors that vary from a blue-black (highly polished) to a lighter blue (low polish) depending on the level of polish. A charcoal blued high polished part will produce a mirror-like finish that is second to none.
Acknowledgement: Parts of this article are adapted from “Antique Metal Finishes” by S.P. Fjestad and Doug Turnbull, found in the 2nd Edition of the Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values. (link takes you to Midway USA)
Browse stories related to charcoal bluing on the Turnbull Restoration blog.
Charcoal Bluing Gallery
Next Steps:
Are you a DIY-er?
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What does it look like when it's all done?
Explore examples of charcoal bluing on restored antique and vintage firearms, and on factory-new firearms that we’ve refinished with our old-world methods.
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