What is Nitre Bluing?
The nitre bluing process (sometimes referred to as fire bluing, peacock bluing or niter bluing) is a gun metal finishing process involving a salt bath solution of sodium and potassium nitrates, heated to exact temperatures. Nitre bluing creates vibrant blue colors, but they are not always durable as charcoal bluing coloration. This process works best on screws and pins because they are subject to less wear and movement.
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 nitre bluing on the Turnbull Restoration blog.
Nitre Bluing Gallery
Next Steps:
Are you a DIY-er?
Check out our Introduction to Metal Preparation video series.
What does it look like when it's all done?
Explore examples of nitre 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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