Touch up 870 Express Finish

TheKlawMan · October 28, 2012, 03:41 AM

I need to touch up the receiver of my 870 Express where the finish came off due to a reaction with something on a coated metal range table. The spot of bare metal is small, about 1/32" x 3/32" and many would ignore it, but I try to take care of my things. What should I use; cold-blue? It's a matte black, non-parkerized, finish.

jmr40 · October 28, 2012, 07:40 AM

A black Sharpie works better than expcted on the matte finish.

BLUETIP · October 28, 2012, 08:51 AM

+1 on the sharpie

SOUTHERN WOODS · October 28, 2012, 02:20 PM

I agree on the Sharpie. Simplest and cheapest fix.

TheKlawMan · October 28, 2012, 07:47 PM

Hmmm. I just happen to have a black sharpie in my range bag. Thanks. Still thinking that some cold blue might make it less likely to rust, and then use the sharpie over the blue for make it look pretty.

Dfariswheel · October 28, 2012, 07:52 PM

Cold blues contain an acid that can actually promote rust.

Also, cold blues tend to leave a discolored blotch in the original blue around the area where it's applied. This blotch is permanent and can make it look worse.
Cold blues are not durable and can be wiped off with your finger.
Cold blues also tend to turn brown.

The Express finish is a bead blasted blue finish.
If you use cold blue use an artist's brush to apply it to just the actual spot and try not to allow it outside of that to prevent the blotching.

Rinse VERY well with hot water and apply a good lube. Watch it closely to insure it doesn't start rusting.

TheKlawMan · October 29, 2012, 03:04 AM

Ouch. Dfaris, I believe you. Though my daughter is an artist and has tons of brushes, I will stick with the Sharpie.

EdInk · November 1, 2012, 10:22 AM

The Sharpie is easiest and the size is tiny. However, if you're really concerned about rust then some High Heat Rustoleum on a q-tip could work too.

TheKlawMan · November 1, 2012, 11:43 AM

I may try the Rustoleum High Heat. The spot is small but I wouldn't want rust to get a foot hold. Thanks.

October 28, 2012, 03:41 AM	#1
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	Touch up 870 Express Finish I need to touch up the receiver of my 870 Express where the finish came off due to a reaction with something on a coated metal range table. The spot of bare metal is small, about 1/32" x 3/32" and many would ignore it, but I try to take care of my things. What should I use; cold-blue? It's a matte black, non-parkerized, finish.

November 1, 2012, 10:22 AM	#8
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	The Sharpie is easiest and the size is tiny. However, if you're really concerned about rust then some High Heat Rustoleum on a q-tip could work too. __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

October 28, 2012, 07:40 AM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,803	A black Sharpie works better than expcted on the matte finish.

October 28, 2012, 08:51 AM	#3
BLUETIP Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2012 Location: tennessee Posts: 119	+1 on the sharpie

October 28, 2012, 02:20 PM	#4
SOUTHERN WOODS Member Join Date: October 24, 2012 Posts: 16	I agree on the Sharpie. Simplest and cheapest fix.

October 28, 2012, 07:47 PM	#5
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	Hmmm. I just happen to have a black sharpie in my range bag. Thanks. Still thinking that some cold blue might make it less likely to rust, and then use the sharpie over the blue for make it look pretty.

October 28, 2012, 07:52 PM	#6
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Cold blues contain an acid that can actually promote rust. Also, cold blues tend to leave a discolored blotch in the original blue around the area where it's applied. This blotch is permanent and can make it look worse. Cold blues are not durable and can be wiped off with your finger. Cold blues also tend to turn brown. The Express finish is a bead blasted blue finish. If you use cold blue use an artist's brush to apply it to just the actual spot and try not to allow it outside of that to prevent the blotching. Rinse VERY well with hot water and apply a good lube. Watch it closely to insure it doesn't start rusting.

October 29, 2012, 03:04 AM	#7
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	Ouch. Dfaris, I believe you. Though my daughter is an artist and has tons of brushes, I will stick with the Sharpie.

November 1, 2012, 11:43 AM	#9
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	I may try the Rustoleum High Heat. The spot is small but I wouldn't want rust to get a foot hold. Thanks.