The Bluing Process - What Actually Happens?
Hot salt bluing is a true electrochemical conversion process that transforms the surface level of steel into a form of controlled rust called Magnetite. In order for this conversion to occur, you need a tank capable of holding water that will rest around 290 degrees F and an alkolai salt mixture containing Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Nitrate, and Potassium Nitrate. It is a little known fact that the color your firearm will turn is based far less on the content of the salt bath and far moreso on the content of your gun!