Cold bluing kits are excellent for restoring worn or scratched finishes on firearms—without the cost or complexity of hot‑tank bluing. This guide offers a deep dive into the top kits available, what sets them apart, and pro tips for achieving a long‑lasting, factory‑quality finish.
Why Choose a Cold Bluing Kit?
- Easy to use: Cold kits work at room temperature—no heating, no specialized equipment.
- Great for touch-ups: Ideal for holster wear, minor scratches, or small sections, as cold bluing can be applied directly and locally.
- Low cost, high impact: Just a bottle and applicators, yet results can rival factory bluing.
- Work at home: No need for professional bluing services—handle everything in your workshop.
Top Kits at a Glance
- Blue Wonder™ Gun Bluing Kit (2 oz)
Includes cleaner, 2 oz blue, developer, and lubricant—all from a veteran‑owned U.S. business. Covers dozens of touch-ups or 3–6 full re‑blues. Highly rated on Amazon (4.5★, 156+ reviews) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. - Shooter’s Choice Cold Gun Blue Kit
Two‑part cold blue system with cleaner gel, blue, curing agent, lubricant, microfiber cloth, steel wool, scour pads and daubers. Enough for 3 full or many touch-up jobs. Designed to exactly mimic factory bluing :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Blue Wonder | Shooter’s Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Contents | Cleaner, 2 oz Blue, Developer, XFR Lubricant | Cleaner Gel, 2 oz Blue, Curing Agent, Lubricant, applicators, cloth, steel wool |
| Quantity per bottle | 2 oz. blue (3–6 full jobs) | 2 oz. blue (3 full jobs) |
| Ease of Use | Shake-to-use liquid, polish surface, apply, neutralize | Strict cleaner gel prep; curing agent step encouraged |
| Finish Quality | Stable deep factory-blue with pros’ approval :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} | Manufacturers claim “like-factory.” Gun Digest user reports confirm this :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Recommended Prep | Acetone, Scotch-Brite; heat improves bond :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} | Use only their gel—not acetone or others—to prep :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Price | ~$30 | ~$37 |
Community Feedback & Real Results
Users continually praise the reliability and ease of both kits:
“Blue Wonder is the best of all home blue products.” :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
“The Gun Blue Kit by Shooter’s Choice… ‘easy to apply… like factory blue’” :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
How to Choose the Right Kit
Here’s a breakdown to match your needs:
| Your Need | Pick This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick start, minimal fuss | Blue Wonder | All‑in‑one kit; shake and apply; forgiving if surface prep a bit rough. |
| Precision matching factory finish | Shooter’s Choice | Reader reviews say curing agent adds durability—and gel cleaner avoids residue :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. |
| Budget-conscious | Blue Wonder or look for Perma Blue | Perma Blue is cheaper; Blue Wonder offers high value for cost. |
| Steel type varies | Blue Wonder | User feedback suggests excellent results on mild steel and case-hardened parts :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. |
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Thorough prep is essential: Use specified cleaners (gel or acetone), Scotch‑Brite, and light warming for best bonding :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Apply thin, consistent coats: Let color develop gradually for uniform depth.
- Neutralize or cure: Blue Wonder uses developer; Shooter’s Choice includes curing agent—both essential to prevent flash rust :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Oil thoroughly afterward: Use included lubes or premium gun oil for corrosion resistance.
- Work in warm, available humidity: Kits bond better at room temperature; high humidity slows curing.
- Store capped after few hours: Protect unfinished metal as conversion continues for 24–48 hours.
When Cold Bluing Isn’t Enough
- Worn-through finish: Cold bluing doesn’t add metal; for deep pitting, you’ll need hot-tank or Cerakote.
- Large surface area: Whole shotgun or long barrel may favor professional refinishing.
- Special finishes: For nickel, Cerakote, etc., cold bluing won’t match durability.
Beyond the Kits
Other notable options worth mentioning:
- Birchwood Casey Perma Blue: Deep blue on first coat—especially on mild steel—popular in gunsmith forums :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Brownells Oxpho‑Blue: Reliable finish on varied steels and quick tint restoration :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Cost vs. Coverage
Estimating cost-per-use:
| Kit | Kit Price | Coverage | Cost/Full Re‑blue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Wonder | $30 | 3–6 rifles | $5–10 |
| Shooter’s Choice | $37 | 3 rifles | $12–13 |
Step-by-Step Bluing Walkthrough
- Disassemble the firearm.
- Clean with kit‑specified product or acetone and scrub with ultra-fine wool or Scotch‑Brite.
- Wipe dry and optionally warm parts (hairdryer).
- Shake the bluing solution vigorously before use.
- Apply with dauber or cloth in even strokes—thin is better.
- Neutralize with developer or curing agent per kit directions.
- Rinse if instructed, then towel dry.
- Apply lubricant and buff gently with microfiber cloth.
- Allow 24–48 hours of cure before light use; re‑oil if exposed to heat or humidity.
Conclusion
Both the **Blue Wonder Gun Bluing Kit** and **Shooter’s Choice Cold Gun Blue Kit** offer excellent cold-bluing solutions at home. Blue Wonder is budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and highly praised by users. Shooter’s Choice excels in replicating factory finishes with its curing step and precise prep system.
If you’re working on mild steel or need multiple refinishes, Blue Wonder is hard to beat. If finish perfection and durability matter most—and price is less of a concern—go with Shooter’s Choice.
Call to Action: Share what gun you’re refinishing—model, steel type, wear pattern—and I’ll help you pick the perfect kit and custom step-by-step plan!