Stripping blueing off question

[Nessmuck]

I have a Dixie barrel that someone blued. Iam wanting to use a browning solution on it. What the best way to get this job done ? And thanks 

[flinchrocket]

You can probably just clean the grease and oil off and start browning.

[deepcreekdale]

Birchwood Casey still makes their Bluing and Rust remover, I have used it before, it works well.

[Nessmuck]

You can probably just clean the grease and oil off and start browning.

So no stripping ? Just go over it ? Thanks

[Dobyns]

white vinegar will remove it, but I would just scuff it with 240 grit

[Scota4570]

Maroon scochbrite is excellent for this kind of thing.  It will also give a soft blended surface that takes the solution well. 

[Nessmuck]

Maroon scochbrite is excellent for this kind of thing.  It will also give a soft blended surface that takes the solution well.

So just scuff up the old blueing on the barrel with Maroon scotch pad ...and put the browning solution right over it ? I own an Autobody shop ...so have plenty of abrasives....lol

[kutter]

Has the bbl been buffed/polished and then blued? Was it hot salt blued?
Does it need a bit of touch up polishing perhaps to take some dings,scars and dents out or remove some damage done to the edges of the flats.

I'd take the time to strip the old bluing off first and give it a little polishing up before browning it.

Vinegar (acidic acid) or diluted muriatic acid (hydrochloric) will strip the old blue off easily.
Then rinse the surface and dry.
Then I'd go over the bbl and polish it to even up the polish and  remove any scars, dents, ect.
You don't have to get too fine a polish depending on the final effect of Brown finish you want of course.

I just feel if it's worth doing, take a bit of care and time and do it right. That way you don't ever have to make excuses for anything wrong with the final result.