Verified answer

I've tried my hand at cold bluing. I never could get the results that they show on the packaging!

From what I understand, the secret is to have the metal completely buffed to perfection and to then use alcohol to remove any residue of any sort of oils on the slide. With the cold bluing process, it's usually a matter of bluing and buffing and rebluing and rebuffing, until you get something that looks "ok".

Pistol Slide Refinishing

Depends on the firearm and what you mean by rattle. My first 1911 sounded like a bunch of rocks in a metal box. It fired fine and worked flawlessly. On a glock though I would not trust it. It was a Military 1911 that had seen combat in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Strom I. Operate on the safe side and head the warnings of the others and have it checked out by a gunsmith. Mr. B In Love with the 1911 45acp.

I agree with nick on this. I have 'home-brewed' a parkerizing solution that turned out well, but the cold blue treatments have never been acceptable in appearance.

If you try to do this, cleanliness is important ...I use acetone as a degreaser.

Another thought is to heat the metal (gently) before you apply the blue.

Good luck.

cold bluing will work ok...just follow directions...