Can science help me ?

Hi here,

Can science save me on this one ?
I've found some blued steel hands that I wish I have found in 'normal' steel color 😀
They could fit my Valjoux 23 (with a little help as the hole should be 0.23mm apparently and not 0.22).

Never been able to spot the 'normal' steel one unfortunately so here is my question :
Is there a way to 'unblue' blued steel hands ?

I've read that to blue steel you've got to heat it at 300°c and then some oxydation happens and gives this color to the steel. I guess I will be corrected with my over simplification of what I understood.
But I've seen no sign of a reverse process: does it exist ?

Thanks for the scientific minds around for enlightening me 😀

Here is the picture of the blued hands : sorry don't have better ones but the seller is clear : blued !

The oxidation layer should be thin, so polishing might be an option. Not sure if you want to go this route.
Best

Thanks ! I think I should give a try to polishing... and if not working to vinegar... being aware of the risk to end up with nothing 😀
Thanks anyway for those answers !


I thought I would receive some recipe of chemical solution to use 😀

Polishing is the way to remove the oxide layer...

Polishing will easily remove it. Vinegar will as well, you just don't want to leave them in vinegar for long. I'd recommend clear nail polish or another type of clear coat to protect the white steel from rust once you've removed the blue.

Thanks a lot for all those precious advices. I'll post the results when it will be done !