Bluing is a traditional finish for firearms with a colorful layer that prevents rusting. In fact, the bluing process actually forms a layer of black rust (iron trioxide) to prevent red rust (iron dioxide) from adhering to the gun. Because of its tight molecular structure, black rust serves as an effective barrier for corrosive red rust.
By heating the metal and applying a chemical solution that reacts with the surface, a protective layer of black rust forms to create a barrier against the elements.
Bluing is a multi-step process that requires a lot of surface preparation. Every surface on the gun must be squeaky clean and consistently polished—removing any pitting or scratches. Oftentimes, more time is spent on surface prep than the bluing itself.
Bluing is a classic look that is well-suited for historical firearms or show guns. Because it’s not as durable as other finishes, it can be easily damaged by exposure to moisture or harsh chemicals and is therefore not recommended for heavily used guns. It is however more durable to abrasion than Cerakote, making it great finish for holsters.
Parkerizing
Like bluing, parkerizing is a chemical conversion coating. Unlike bluing, however, a parkerized gun is more resistant to chemical and water damage, abraision, scratches, and chips. With a dark gray, self lubricating layer of protection, parkerizing is a great finish for heavily used and holstered guns.
Scientifically, parkerizing is known as “phosphate conversion coating” or “phosphatization.” The gun is immersed in a chemical bath of phosphoric acid that reacts with the metal and raises the pH of near the surface of the gun. The phosphates near the metal surface become insoluble and are deposited onto the gun’s metal. This layer of phosphates provides a finish that is both durable and corrosion resistant.
Parkerizing is one of the best options for finishes since it is great for holsters and is resistant to water and chemical damage.
Nickel Plating
Nickel is a popular finish because of its bright, reflective appearance and its resistance to corrosion and abrasion. Nickel plating is often used on heavily used firearms. Because of it’s shiny and reflective appearance, many military and police forces do not want it for fear of giving away their position.
Prior to beginning the plating process, the gun must be completely clean and rust-free. Then, the gun is submerged in a electrolyte solution with dissolved nickel. When electricity is applied, nickel ions form, and the gun functions as a cathode, drawing the nickel ions to deposit on the metal surface. This process is called electroplating and creates a thin layer of nickel for a durable, long-lasting finish.
Nickel plating is a great shiny finish for those with heavily used or holstered guns that require chemical or water resistance.
Gold Plating
Gold plating is a luxurious finish that adds a touch of elegance to your firearm. In the gold plating process, the gun has to first be perfectly polished and clean before a thin layer of gold can be applied to the gun using electricity and heat. Often the polishing process takes hours of hand sanding and buffing before the gun is ready to be gold plated. This is because the firearm must be perfectly shiny otherwise, the finish will look matte gold instead of shiny gold.
Before adding the gold, the gun is electroplated with nickel so that rust doesn’t form underneath the permeable layer of gold. After submersing the gun in a thirty minute bath of electricity and dissolved nickel, the gun is ready for its gold finish.
