If a case colored reciever (on an Ithaca 4E in particular) has been blued can the bluing be removed and the case colors restored? Yes
More related questions:
1) After the case colors are back on should I expect the engraving to be severely degraded. The engraving should come back in basically the same condition as it is currently in. Professional prep will remove very little metal unles you have some pits or deep scratches.
2) How are case colors put on? They are a very thin surface coating of "oxides and other stuff" that form during quench from case hardening temperature.
3)How is bluing removed from engraved receivers? (I have read that Heinz Ketchup is wicked on blued barrels!) Abrasively, chemically, or with heat. Annealing temperature will take care of the blue , as CJ pointed out.
4) What makes the case colors go away? Exposure to abrasion, even light abrasion. The film is thin and low strength. Routine cleaning? If the cleaning cloth has any abrasive on it, yes. Exposure to air? No, not at all. Combination of both?
