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Benefits of a Parkerized Finish

Parkerizing is a method of adding phosphate coatings to steel and steel alloys by dipping parts in an acid bath using a heat process. Gunsmithing and firearm restoration are most known for utilizing Parkerized finishes. The centuries old process can be adapted to any type of steel product including farm and construction equipment or tools, and the parts or bodies of cars and motorcycles.

Rust Inhabitant
- Unprotected steel can quickly and easily rust regardless of environmental conditions. Bose's Guns, a gunsmithing and restoration service, notes that the Parkerizing process coats the steel with a selected combination of metal phosphate solutions that have a microcrystalline structure and easily absorb oil. Users need only to maintain the finish by applying oil after any regular cleaning of the steel. This finish is ideal for old steel, as the immersion process treats the small pits that occur in metal over time.
Wear Resistance
- The absorption of oil to the surface of the steel greatly reduces the friction against the exterior surface or moving steel parts. The oil protects the steel from the heat and wear of regular use that would otherwise deteriorate the surface of the metal. The amount of time the steel parts spend immersed in the chemicals and the temperature can affect the thickness of the Parkerized finish. Thicker finishes have greater oil absorption capacity and may be preferred for steel parts expected to perform with frequent motion or at higher temperatures.
Non-Reflective
- A Parkerized finish can be created to reduce the reflective capability of steel or steel alloys. The military uses Parkerizing to dull the surface of firearms with metal salts from zinc, manganese or iron to create different shades of a matte gray color on the steel. The absorption of oil further adds to achieve the non-reflective characteristic.
Color Tinting
- Choices of chemicals to use in the Parkerizing solution affect the final color of the steel. Just as various shades of matte gray can be created from specific metal salts, glossy black finishes or green tints can occur by adjusting the chemical selections to affect various steel alloys. Years of polishing and different types of natural and synthetic oil also affect the coloring. Firearms from World War II that have been stored after being treated with Cosmoline in the lubricant have been known to develop a green patina that is highly desired among collectors.

Gun Collecting