Posted by Sherman in Idaho [108.162.244.55] on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 23:53:02 :
In Reply to: Electrolytic rust removal- and gun buing? posted by Chris Case [108.162.215.94] on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 19:38:03 :
I've used the electrolytic method on guns several times. A rusty Garand and a colt revolver come to mind. It's a great method because it won't remove bluing, and if anything it converts well-attached rust from red iron hydroxide to black iron oxide, which is what bluing is. There is no issue with flash rust. You'll obviously want to oil it well (several times, as oil soaks into the pores of steel), and if you want a proper blued finish you can still do that.
The one caveat is to not use the electrolytic method on springs. Frames, receivers, and barrels are fine, but springs of any kind should not go in the electrolytic bucket. It can cause hydrogen embrittlement just like electroplating can. Supposedly you can bake the hydrogen out, but I don't want to risk it. Rusty springs should be replaced anyway, because the rust pits are stress risers that lead to breakage.
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