Gun Blue

If its metal this might work

http://executivegunworks.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page11.html

The problem is that most gun blue compounds are made to work on ferrous alloys, and the composition of "white metal" may vary—and it certainly isn't ferrous.

Check both Midway and Brownells, either may have something that is formulated for white metal. 

Another route to investigate might be automotive lacquers. 

Interesting query! You might investigate a can of Prussian Blue. This a compund that machinists (et al) use for scribing lines on metal for contrast. It comes in cans with an applicator.....or in tubes like oil paint. The color should suit your purposes but will need to be sealed with Future or another sheeny medium, or it will look dull and flake with handling.

I really thought they made a bluing compound for guns. Have you tried a gun shop? 

namrednef wrote:

…Prussian Blue. This a compund that machinists (et al) use for scribing lines on metal for contrast. It comes in cans with an applicator.....or in tubes like oil paint. The color should suit your purposes but will need to be sealed with Future or another sheeny medium, or it will look dull and flake with handling. I really thought they made a bluing compound for guns. Have you tried a gun shop?

Marking compounds aren't very durable—I'm not sure an overcoat of Future would be enough to keep it there.

And they do make blueing compounds for firearms, but most firearms are not made of white metal. Blueing compounds essentially cause a chemical reaction with the metal surface, so the composition of the metal is critical.

Also be aware that many blueing compounds are corrosive, toxic, or both.

The reason I suggested an automotive lacquer is that they are formulated to stick to almost anything. They are also available in a nearly infinite variety of colors, and produce a hard, glossy finish. Some automotive paint dealers (retail) will even color match small amounts for you. 

Yeah......sorry Ross, I should've acknowledged your post on that point. I used Prussian Blue in a pinch years ago............and learned about sealing it. Disaster! The solvent seems to bond.....but the color will flake without sealing.

Well, you are in the correct forum for painting that piece! Between Gerald and Ross you can find no better advice for such an undertaking! Ask pertinent questions and you will get pertinent answers! No doubt!

namrednef wrote:

Ask pertinent questions and you will get pertinent answers! No doubt!

Along with the occasional whimsical, impertinent answer! (Hey, if we took ourselves too seriously, we'd just be a couple of big bores… 

…at least .50 caliber…