So for my SKS project I am looking at a top cover that is a bit rusted. From what I can see of the pictures, there is no or almost no pitting, but evident light rusting starting. I've cold blued stuff plenty of times and though I've gotten it to look nice with the paste, the bluing isn't particularly durable. I am wondering if anyone has tried rust bluing and their thoughts?
I figured this could be a good project for me to try as the part is relatively small. Should I try to strip the existing bluing off completely before rusting and boiling? Or should I just clean up the existing rust (and if it takes off some bluing, so be it), apply the rusting solution, boil, steel wool, rinse and repeat as necessary?
Most top covers I've seen on eBay all have some degree of finish wear and I figure I might as well try to clean one up. My current SKS metal is in nearly unworn shape and this one is going to be a deer rifle with a scout scope setup to knock around the woods, but I would like to learn some new techniques.
Thoughts? Should I just clean up the rust and cold blue it?
I figured this could be a good project for me to try as the part is relatively small. Should I try to strip the existing bluing off completely before rusting and boiling? Or should I just clean up the existing rust (and if it takes off some bluing, so be it), apply the rusting solution, boil, steel wool, rinse and repeat as necessary?
Most top covers I've seen on eBay all have some degree of finish wear and I figure I might as well try to clean one up. My current SKS metal is in nearly unworn shape and this one is going to be a deer rifle with a scout scope setup to knock around the woods, but I would like to learn some new techniques.
Thoughts? Should I just clean up the rust and cold blue it?