ROSEWOOD GRIP TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION

[stoffer]

I have an original 18-4 1975 vintage high polish blue metal with dark Rosewood target grips that are a bit dull. They seem to have had an oil finish, not varnish. Ive tried Old English on them but doesn't last. Want to have a nice oil finish that highlights the light and dark grain. The gun has not had much use or wear. Any recommendations?

[Theoak84]

Ballistol!

Wood Care | Ballistol

[Laketime]

I know the factory would sometime use a clear lacquer finish on them.I still own a set that has that original finish.Most folks will tell you that other than that finish I mentioned,you cant put a top finish on rosewood.I have grips made from Indian Rosewood that came from Eagle and various manufactures that I have finished with both Tru oil and Poly.After 25 years the finish has remained intact.All bets might be off concerning Bahia rosewood that Smith & Wesson used.Mineral oil which is clear will darken rosewood and bring out the reddish color.After this process use a nice wood wax to put a shine to them.I hope this helps.

[midwesternmutt]

Originally Posted by Laketime

I know the factory would sometime use a clear lacquer finish on them.I still own a set that has that original finish.Most folks will tell you that other than that finish I mentioned,you cant put a top finish on rosewood.I have grips made from Indian Rosewood that came from Eagle and various manufactures that I have finished with both Tru oil and Poly.After 25 years the finish has remained intact.All bets might be off concerning Bahia rosewood that Smith & Wesson used.Mineral oil which is clear will darken rosewood and bring out the reddish color.After this process use a nice wood wax to put a shine to them.I hope this helps.

Yeah, I believe Eagle Gips waxes then polishes the wax on all grips before shipping them.

[Troystat]

Try Johnson&Johnson pastewax or any other beeswax or carnuba wax, wipe it on then buff it off. Rosewood does not need a varnish on it, if you have a buffing well buff them after applying wax.

[Laketime]

Originally Posted by midwesternmutt

Yeah, I believe Eagle Gips waxes then polishes the wax on all grips before shipping them.

Your right Eagle does wax before sending them out.In my case the color was not as rich as I had hoped for,so I darkened them using mineral oil,then applied a clear finish on both sides to lock their new shade in.Highly waxed is still the best finish on Rosewood overall.

[Mblhopo]

I buff my Rosewood with Ren Wax then wipe them down with a DRY Old English rag, out of the spray can, not the liquid............................M*

[UNCLE PAULY]

Try using Tung oil.