First receiver engraved now how can I preserve it?

[RedfordTrails]

So here's my first little gun I've been working on. Im finished engraving it now and I'd like to some how preserve the contrast I have between the cuts and case hardening.

Would I be able to blue just the cuts without affecting the case hardening?

I thought about varnish... but it seems like a poor choice. Maybe some how it could be done nicely though?

Or my favored thought now is just let it be. If it rusts I'll still have some kind of contrast, and maybe I can brush the rust so the cuts have a uniform brown color?

 

[unclejim1955]

I agree, the contrast looks great. I saw a tip here on the forum a while back where you thin down varnish and rub it into the pores and then gently wipe the excess with a paper towel dampened with acetone or thinner. I can't remember who posted it. Maybe you can find it. It helps protect from rusting, but allows for the bare metal look.

 

[KCSteve]

Renaissance wax is what I hear the most people recommending.

 

[tim halloran]

Redford: Brownells Sells A Baking Lacquer. You Spray It On And Bake It At About 200 Degrees.

 

[Sandy]

You can Dura Coat it. They have a clear coat and it works great. You would spray the whole action.
Sandy

 

[RedfordTrails]

Great! I'll look into these, they sound like exactly the kinds of products I'm looking for! THANKS!!!

 

[monk]

many use rustoleum black for contrast. maybe "rusto" white would work. although you'd certainly lose the bright cut effect. try it on some junk steel