Mild steel finishes

[Travis Fry]

I'm thinking about using some mild steel for guards and bolsters and the like, and was curious as to how those of you who have used this material finished it. I like the look of cold bluing but don't have any of the supplies or really know where to get them. I've heard of a few other ways to make the finish less plain, and would like to hear what you do and to see pictures, if possible.

 

[Ryan Minchew]

Here's a mild steel bolster I did that turned out because of an accident. I used Birchwood Casey's Plum Brown. It can be bought at Walmart sometimes or a good gun store. Gander Mountain I think has it, not sure about Academy. You heat up the part slightly with a torch or heat gun then swab this accross the metal with a sponge or paint brush. I was expecting a nice brown like I got on 1095, but instead the finish was nasty so I started using steel wool to rub it off. It left a pitted antiqued finish. I really liked it and kept it.