Treatment for bead blasted stainless steel

[BanxJ502]

I have a few stainless guns i will be glass bead blasting in the near future. They have wear on them and it bothers me..

My question iis what is the proper way to treat stainless steal after bead blasting? Ive heard everything from, oil and use as is to soak it in some sort of lemon juice mixture?

[ArizonaGunOwners.com]

[steve2md]

Lemon, or any other acid, will etch the steel eventually. Just oil or wax it and call it good. This coming from a blacksmith/bladesmith...

[BanxJ502]

What kind of wax would you recommend? I searched online and there are quite  a few.

[steve2md]

johnsons paste wax hardens nicely. any hars automotive carnuba as well...

[Arizonagunsmith]

Why are you bead blasting the gun?

Jon

[Alex]

It is a little pricey but you only need to use a tiny amount per use but it is what we used in museums on very expensive artifacts and frames and I have used on my own knives and firearms and it is tough stuff

Renaissance Wax

Shop around as the prices can vary widely. Its a small can but I have had mine for about 10 yrs now.

[rjinaz86323]

+1 Renaissance Wax

if you need it quick or don't want to mess with ordering it some of the wood working shops carry it, like Rockler's on E Thunderbird

[coelacanth]

+ 2 on Ren Wax.   I have used others but I think this stuff is probably the best all 'round.   It doesn't build up like some of the others and has not discolored in the sun so far.  The automotive wax blends don't discolor either but they do tend to build up over time. 

[BanxJ502]

Im bead blasting just to get rid of the holster wear. PLus i would like a less dull finish but still not shiny.

I will try and find the Ren wax and give it a try.

[Arizonagunsmith]

Im bead blasting just to get rid of the holster wear. PLus i would like a less dull finish but still not shiny.

I will try and find the Ren wax and give it a try.

I would not bead blast it, try some coarse Scotch Brite on it first. If that doesn't achieve the finish sought try glass beading with the finest grade you can get.

Jon

[steve2md]

Or you could use baking soda to blast it. stuff is gentile enough to polish chrome, so it might remove wear marks nicely

[BanxJ502]

I might get several grits and materials and test them on a stainless steel knife first.

The scotch bright pads are good for a brushed finish but i want more of a matte finish,.

[ArizonaGunOwners.com]