I have not been doing the final baking soda step. I assumed any unreacted acid is washed away in the boil.
The two of last two barrels that I did had some afterrusting after the boil and had to reoil them for days to stop it.
I thought everyone blacking/browning/blueing barrels understood that the baking soda final wash is "as important" and required as any other step in the blueing/blacking process.........done without fail if you want a quality job......useful especially in the weep holes and other hidden places....
I would have guessed that everyone understood it's importance until I saw the two posts above.......
It's neutralizing effect is more important than "whatever" oil you use for the final wipe down, that's a fact......
