I've been working for years on a formula for a SAFE and EASY TO USE bluing for ferrules, reel seat hardware, etc. Finally got it down where it works well, not only on Nickel Silver but on Brass and Duronze, too. This stuff, that I simply call RL Nunley Bluing Formula, went on the market last week. Below is the description as it will be on my website when I get time to update it.

Thanks,
Bob
rlnunley.com





These ferrules are on a 1923 Divine Rainbow that I am currently restoring. The AFTER picture is taken outside, in natural light so you can see the deep blue-black color the formula gives. These ferrules were hand sanded with 1200 grit wet and dry then blued for 2 1/2 minutes in the formula.


I have tested this on Nickel Silver, Brass and Duronze. With the Nickel silver and Brass, you get anything from a dark gray black to a blue black depending on the finish on the metal. A finish with 400 or 600 grit comes out more black. I finished some out with 1200 then polished it on the buffer to a mirror finish and it comes out a deep blue black.

Same on the Duronze. You can get anywhere from a dark gray black finish with a rough (400 to 600 grit sandpaper) finish, but with a polished finish on the Duronze, it comes out the most beautiful blue black that I've ever seen on ANYTHING! It's absolutely gorgeous on Duronze.

No harmful or toxic chemicals are needed to clean or prep the parts. I simply clean them with Dawn dishwashing liquid. You don't have to use lacquer thinner or anything like that to clean the parts for bluing. Just wash them well with Dawn and water, put them in the solution and 2 to 2 1/2 minutes later, depending on the color you want, you take them out and rinse them with cold water.

Another nice thing about this is that it DOES NOT have any adverse effect on the bamboo. You can mount your ferrules on the rod, clean the glue off of the tabs then dip the ferrule in this with it mounted on the rod. That way, you can make sure your ferrule tabs don't have to be reblued after the ferrule is mounted. The solution doesn't discolor the bamboo or affect the way it takes varnish or sealers.

The shelf life on this is undetermined at this point. I have some I've been using for over 8 years and it still works great. Harry Boyd also has a bottle of the old formulation, which contains the same basic ingredients as the NEW one, and it's from my first batch in 2002

Price for an 8 ounce bottle, which should be a lifetime supply for many rodmakers, is $20 US plus shipping. Shipping in the Continental United States is $5 US. For those outside the lower 48, email for shipping costs. Payments accepted by PayPal. PayPal username is bobnunley@rlnunley.com . Buyers are welcome to send a check or Money Order, but I prefer PayPal as it makes it much easier to keep track of shipping status as opposed to having a bunch of envelopes laying on the desk.

I've been acting as a guinea pig for Bob and this stuff. It really works. Get some and you will be glad.

Harry

Thanks, Harry. I've added two images to the original post. They are before and after pictures of ferrules I blued this morning on a 1923 Divine Rainbow that I'm restoring. Took the After picture in natural light outside so those interested could see the deep blue black color they can get with the Bluing Formula.

Later,
Bob

Mountain Home, Arkansas? Why have we never met? Look for a PM, Bob.

Bob, Got your PM, but I couldn't get it to let me respond! Just come by the shop sometime. I'm there almost every day, esp since it's too cold for my old bones to fish. 3.5 miles north of MH on Hiway 5, Tan building in an industrical complex, unit #2. All rodmakers or bamboo enthusiasts are welcome in my shop!

Bob

Hey Bob. I looked for you this afternoon. Are you in the industrial park between Bass Cat and Gregory Builders?