Black Oxide protection

[64dodge]

I've recently purchased the blacke oxide kit to clean up a couple of older pistols. While initally impressed with the results, I found that after going thru the process as per directions, the finish seemed to be stripped off once I applied a coating of gun oil for added protection. The parts were allowed to cure/dry for 4 days after removal from sealer. As protective oil was applied, I find I'm back to bare metal. Nature of the beast or am I doing something wrong?

[melverc]

Cold black oxide will do that. You need to use a hot black oxide kit.

[jpelosi2002]

degrease the metal to be blackened by submerging in automotive wheel cleaner for about an hour and scrubbing with a clean toothbrush. Rinse with clean water. Heat the blackening soulution to around 160 to 170 degrees F. in a ceramic lined crock pot and immerse the part for 2 to 5 minutes. Dip the part into sealant oil directly from the blackener. Let the oil soak in over night and wipe the part the next day. Of course, don't handle the part with your bare hands during any of the processes. You'll have nice fingerprints staring back at you. I like to use nitrile gloves cleaned with laquer thinner. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for the piece you're working on. Submersion time is a big factor. I usually let the part sit in the heated solution till the fizzing slows and starts to fade. Too long and the part will start to scale a nasty gray color. Too short and the black wipes right off. Just right and you get a nice blue tinted black.

BTW: I've used DIY hot oxide kits and the results are no better than the "warm"/room temperature method I explained above. I like this way because it's cheap, clean, easy and safe.
Jim