Metal Finish

1. Cold Bluing

What it is
A fast and affordable chemical method that gives steel a dark blue-black finish without using high heat. It’s perfect for restoring worn spots or refinishing small parts.

Advantages

  • Budget-friendly option for light refinishing or touch-ups.

  • Great when you want your gun looking cleaner without a full restoration.

  • Ready in about two weeks.

Disadvantages

  • Not as durable as other finishes — it may wear faster with regular handling.

  • Provides less protection against moisture and rust.

  • Best suited for cosmetic improvements, not long-term protection.

2. Gun-Kote

What it is
A tough protective coating applied by spraying and heat-curing, giving your firearm a smooth, even surface with good resistance to scratches and corrosion.

Advantages

  • Strong, uniform finish that holds up much better than cold bluing.

  • Resistant to scratches, oil, and humidity.

  • Available in several colours and sheen levels for a custom look.

Disadvantages

  • Costs about twice as much as standard cold bluing.

  • Limited to available colours and finishes.

  • Once applied, it can’t be easily removed or touched up at home.

3. Cerakote

What it is
A premium ceramic-based coating that bonds to metal for top-tier durability, corrosion resistance, and a modern look. Ideal for hunters, sports shooters, and collectors who want both beauty and protection.

Advantages

  • Extremely durable — the best choice for hard-use or outdoor firearms.

  • Wide colour selection and matte or gloss finish options.

  • Protects metal from rust and wear for years.

Disadvantages

  • One of the more expensive finishes (around 3× the base cost).

  • Takes longer to apply and cure properly.

  • Custom colour matching adds to lead time and cost.

4. Rust Bluing

What it is
A classic, hand-crafted process used by high-end gunmakers for over a century. Each piece is carefully rusted, boiled, and polished over several days or weeks to create a rich, deep blue-black tone.

Advantages

  • Stunning traditional finish — perfect for vintage or collectible firearms.

  • Extremely resistant to rust when properly maintained.

  • Adds authenticity and long-term value to classic guns.

Disadvantages

  • Time-consuming (about 4 weeks).

  • Costs about five times more than cold bluing due to the manual process.

  • Slight tone variations are natural and part of the hand-crafted look.