Darkening stainless steel

[LandSeig]

I have a tikka t3x with a stainless steel bolt and it’s a hunting rifle so I don’t like bright shiny and it is the only part that is. I would normally bead blast or tumble stainless but I’m sure that would affect the tolerances. I was wondering if there was a way to darken the steel without heating it or otherwise damaging it. Stainless being what it is, I guess I could always change it out if not or leave it like it is. I will most likely end up sponge painting the stock too.

 

[Kurts86]

Nitriding or DLC are really the only 2 good ways to solve this issue. Neither of these are DIY options.

Cerakote or durakote on a bolt will eventually wear off and make the bolt stickier.

The low cost DIY option would be to Birchwood Casey Aluminum black pen the entire bolt.

 

[LandSeig]

Thanks. There is a couple of things online that I saw, ni black 40 and caswell stainless darkener? I have never used either but I have blued regular gun barrels and other carbon steel things. I was just wondering if anyone had ever DIYed it and had success. I just don’t want to mess it up by trying random things out.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Might could just hit it with a sharpie before the hunt? Doesn't matter if it wears off for practice at the range.

 

[slm9s]

+1 for the Sharpie.

 

[BBob]

I would normally bead blast or tumble stainless but I’m sure that would affect the tolerances.

You wouldn't affect tolerances much at all and certainly not enough to even matter. Glass beads for a finer satin matte or Aluminum Oxide for more of a flat matte.

Cerakote Micro Slick is an option. It wears fairly well and is slicker than regular Cerakote. It's air dry so easier application. Blast it, paint it.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I wouldnt worry about it.

That trigger and the lettering on your scope is kinda shiny as well. Dont forget them.