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Posted: 7/1/2024 9:32:15 PM EDT
Hello everyone,

I've recently noticed a noticeable scratch on the blued finish of my rifle scope. I'm looking for advice on the best way to reblue the scratched area to restore its appearance. I've heard of a few methods, but I'm unsure which one would yield the best results without causing further damage.

What products or kits do you recommend for a small rebluing job on a scope?
Are there any specific techniques or tips to ensure an even and durable finish?
Should I be aware of any potential pitfalls or things to avoid during the process?
Any advice or personal experiences you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!







Link Posted: 7/2/2024 6:45:24 AM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 7/2/2024 6:55:50 AM EDT
[#2]
Is it aluminum or steel?

Birchwood Casey aluminum black for aluminum,  super blue for steel.

Link Posted: 7/2/2024 10:11:05 PM EDT
[#3]
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Originally Posted By bfoosh06:
You might try posting this question in one of these sub forums.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Armory/Refinishing/19/

https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/Optics-Mounts-and-Sights/18/
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Will give it a try. Thank you
Link Posted: 7/2/2024 11:36:36 PM EDT
[#4]
Link Posted: 7/4/2024 10:14:24 PM EDT
[#5]
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Originally Posted By TGWLDR:
Is it aluminum or steel?

Birchwood Casey aluminum black for aluminum,  super blue for steel.

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It looks like steel
Link Posted: 7/4/2024 10:15:02 PM EDT
[#6]
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Originally Posted By :
I'll warn you that using cold blue, say on a Q-tip, will probably end up with a different colored streak of blue over the scratch.

If it were me, I would take my time and apply just enough cold blue to fill the scratch with a toothpick.  That will help ensure you won't have a big streak of darker blue that is uglier than the original scratch.
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Yes, that's what I had in mind as well. Thank you
Link Posted: 7/4/2024 10:34:18 PM EDT
[#7]
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Originally Posted By irafikov:


It looks like steel
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Originally Posted By irafikov:
Originally Posted By TGWLDR:
Is it aluminum or steel?

Birchwood Casey aluminum black for aluminum,  super blue for steel.



It looks like steel


Use a magnet and make sure.
Link Posted: 7/5/2024 6:27:25 AM EDT
[#8]
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Originally Posted By TGWLDR:
Is it aluminum or steel?

Birchwood Casey aluminum black for aluminum,  super blue for steel.

View Quote

Aluminum Black works on both aluminum and steel.
Link Posted: 7/5/2024 12:25:05 PM EDT
[#9]
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Originally Posted By Millennial:

Aluminum Black works on both aluminum and steel.
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Originally Posted By Millennial:
Originally Posted By TGWLDR:
Is it aluminum or steel?

Birchwood Casey aluminum black for aluminum,  super blue for steel.


Aluminum Black works on both aluminum and steel.

I've had zero luck with it.
Link Posted: 7/6/2024 12:56:58 AM EDT
[#10]
I wouldn’t worry about it personally. Don’t take this the wrong way but with all the rough machine marks on the mount and the rifle it really isn’t that noticeable. It kind of gives it character.
Link Posted: 7/8/2024 12:54:59 PM EDT
[#11]
Check if steel with a magnet.  Brownells Oxpho Blue works well.
Link Posted: 7/8/2024 1:04:08 PM EDT
[#12]
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Originally Posted By blfuller:
Check if steel with a magnet.  Brownells Oxpho Blue works well.
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Another that I had zero luck with.
Link Posted: 7/8/2024 1:33:47 PM EDT
[#13]
I use black oxide for steel parts on my milsurp guns if I need to get closer to a black finish.  For me, most of the cold blue treatments get me to dark blue.

https://caswellplating.com/black-oxide-gel-kit.html

Also available on Amazon.
Link Posted: 7/8/2024 1:38:12 PM EDT
[#14]
Link Posted: 7/8/2024 2:37:48 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SecondAmend] [#15]
The late George Carlin used to discuss the downside of owning a suede leather jacket.  On a chilly day, ones nose will inevitably develop a run and the instinctive reflex is to wipe ones nose with the jacket sleeve.  Even after drying and attempts at cleaning, there will be a dark stain spot on the sleeve, telling any observer what has happened.  The only recourse is to wipe snot on the whole jacket.

ETA: So as posted above, a complete (rattle can?) refinish of the unit is probably the best tactic.

MHO, YMMV, etc.
Link Posted: 7/9/2024 1:02:24 PM EDT
[#16]
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Originally Posted By TGWLDR:

Another that I had zero luck with.
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Are you degreasing before application?
Link Posted: 7/9/2024 8:42:52 PM EDT
[#17]
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Originally Posted By Johhnyrotten:

Are you degreasing before application?
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Originally Posted By Johhnyrotten:
Originally Posted By TGWLDR:

Another that I had zero luck with.

Are you degreasing before application?

Negative. Followed instructions.

Results looked great for about 72 hrs then the patina set in eventually turning to rust.
Link Posted: 7/12/2024 12:46:29 AM EDT
[#18]
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Originally Posted By blfuller:
Check if steel with a magnet.  Brownells Oxpho Blue works well.
View Quote


This.  Brownells Oxpho Blue is the best cold blue made.  Only thing better for steel is hot tank bluing, which is not an option on a riflescope.
Link Posted: 8/3/2024 2:51:12 PM EDT
[#19]
Personally, I wouldn’t worry about it. That is a battle weapon set-up, not a fine sporting rifle. The scratch was probably factory applied and kinda adds some character.

As others said, no matter what you use to try and “touch-up” that scratch, it is still going to be noticeable.
Link Posted: 8/4/2024 2:42:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Manticore_Arms] [#20]
Link Posted: 8/10/2024 7:55:26 AM EDT
[#21]
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Originally Posted By TGWLDR:

I've had zero luck with it.
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That aluma black seems to do nothing unless the aluminum has no oxide layer. When I freshly machine something, and touch up, it works like a charm. If it's older, I've scrubbed with acetone, then had better results. Obviously that may be a bit harsh on certain applications.
Link Posted: 8/10/2024 9:38:13 AM EDT
[#22]
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