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08-22-2009, 03:22 PM
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Refinishing Grips.
Last edited by sw282; 07-03-2011 at 09:20 AM.
Reason: upd
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08-22-2009, 03:48 PM
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refinishing grips
I've had good results using a sharp pocket knife to scrape the old finish off, followed by light sanding using 160 - 220 grit garnet paper backed by a 3/4" dowel rod. You to preserve all edges and curves while sanding.
Wipe off the sanding dust with a clean rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol to prepare for the finish.
Birchwood Casey Tru Oil is a good finish, and so is polyurethane varnish. S&W used oil-type varnishes in the past, and switched to polyurethane sometime in the late 1960's I believe. Two coats flowed on using a strip of clean t-shirt material will make it look like new.
The medallions can remain in place protected from the finish with discs cut from masking tape.
Finish can be applied to the checkering using a clean tooth brush. Just rub it in and avoid drips.
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08-22-2009, 06:34 PM
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Send them to a forum member named VM and he is a pro and they look like new for not a lot of money.
Here's his email address and he's done several of mine and I used to refinish rifle stocks for fun.
[email protected]
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08-23-2009, 07:40 AM
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I think I may try and finish them myself.Theres a pretty big chunk out of them at the base. Quite a bit of oil soaked in them too. I really wish there was a simple way to post picshttp://www.auctionarms.com/Closed/DisplayItem.cfm?ItemNum=9211153.0
I know I have posted it before. Its a real basket case. Worse than these pics. Its at Smith's now.
Last edited by sw282; 08-23-2009 at 07:58 AM.
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08-23-2009, 08:39 AM
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Soak in acetone for about 30 seconds to remove the finish and then multiple applications of Tru Oil, allowing them to dry between coats.
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08-23-2009, 09:11 AM
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Refinishing Grips
I have worked with a lot of unfinished furniture in the past. This is the process that I have done on about 5 sets of target grips that is working for me. I have noticed that the later year S&W grips seem to have a mustard yellow sealer on them that covers the grain in the wood.
1. Use a medium grit sand paper to get off all of the sealer and stain.
2. Do not use the sand paper on the checkering of the grips.
3. After all of the finish is removed switch to a very fine grit sand paper. Do not use the sand paper on the checkering of the grips.
4. Now switch to a fine pad of steel wool. You can use this on the checkering but go light with it.
5. Use a small piece of tack cloth to pull all of the wood and steel wool particles off of the grips. You can buy tack cloth in any hardware store.
6. Make sure that you get the tack cloth in all of the indentions on the grips!
7. Then apply light coats of Deft brand wood sealer. I have been using semi gloss. You can mild steel wool between coats if you want to.
Two or three coats of Deft is getting it done for me. Also by hand sanding and being careful, I haven't had a problem messing up the medallions.
I will try to fire up the camera and post a picture of the last four sets that I did using the above steps.
Randy
The flash makes them look a little more glossy than in natural light.
Last edited by Barn Boy; 08-23-2009 at 09:25 AM.
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08-23-2009, 01:36 PM
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I just refinished a couple of sets and they came out rather nice. I taped off the checkering and used acetone and oooo steel wool to give em a good rub down and let dry. Then I applyed oil base rosewood stain and let dry then buff with the 0000 steel wool. Then put a very light coat of true oil and let dry, buff with the steel wool again and apply another very light coat of true oil, let dry and buff with the steel wool to the correct to me sheen. They come out with the looks to match a used working gun nicely.
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