I found some nice Goncalo Alves K grips, but the right panel has a detracting light, almost blonde streak in the wood. (Looks even lighter in person)
How can I darken just this area around the backstrap? I was thinking about just putting some darker stain over the finish but don't know if that will work since it looks like they may have a lacquer or some other type of glossy top coat on them.
Not much experience working with wood so any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Attached Images

	IMG_1012 (edit).JPG (80.8 KB, 142 views)
	IMG_1007 (edit).JPG (90.2 KB, 168 views)

UCLALAW,

One of my many vices is working with wood, particularly long gun stocks.

What you show are "K" frame stocks with what we call a streak of sap wood running through it. Sap wood is most commonly seen in walnut and is the outer edge of the heart wood making up the tree.

Sap wood has a much different density and porosity for staining than "heart" wood. Therefore, rarely will a re-finisher be happy with trying to stain sap wood to match the darker color when the contrast is so great.

The only product that I found that could provide a good end result was a stain called Watco Sap Wood Stain. It was such a strong solvent it was removed from the market years ago. When I used it I could actually taste it for three days afterward because it was so strong.

Be happy with the way your grips look for color. They are "footballs" and becoming valuable. Many people love highly contrasting streaks of color through their grips. If they really bug you, I'm sure you could find someone to trade you. If you try to stain them I believe you will be disappointed.

+1

Those appear to be in excellent original condition. I strongly advise keeping them that way (they're quite lovely).

__________________
"I also cook."

Agree with TDC and Chad.

If you dont like the streak, someone here will gladly take those "ugly" grips off your hands... time and effort in a refinish will be time and effort wasted because you wont like the end product.

VM is an excellent grip[stock]refinisher.He knows what the deal is.I'd leave them alone and enjoy them or trade them.

__________________
WALSTIB

I agree and disagree with the statements above. I personally would leave them as is, but a good, read excellent, furniture restorer could make that panel look like it is relatively one color. They would use a combination of stains and shellacs. I used to work next door to an old guy that restored antiques, it was amazing what he could do.

__________________
Dom

I'll throw in with the other members who caution against any efforts to change 'em.
If, however, you really feel the need to have them redone, all you need to know is: *** DWFan***
Don

Before I had them refinished I think I'd list them on the trader and see if I could get what I wanted in trade. I'm sure someone would like to have those as-is. I'd offer you the ones off of my 19-4 but they are a slightly different style (and don't look as nice).

Just to throw in my $.02:
"Fix not that which ain't broken."

Rather unusual color config there, brutha.
Oughtta be easy to trade with somebody who likes yours better than their more uniform pair.

My congrats to you. They're beautiful as nature intended.

I collect grips, and in my opinion, the blond streak adds to the value of the stocks. This contrast is what makes real wood beautiful, in much the same way slight imperfections in diamonds show they are real, not manufactured.

TDC, thank you very much for your explanation. I've often wondered about those streaks.

__________________
NRA Lifetime Member

Thanks TDC for that tidbit of information, never would have known actually why it looks lighter - very interesting and just the type of technical info I appreciate.
After reading all the posts so far I'm seriously rethinking my original plan to re-finish or have it refinished.
Thanks for everyone's input, much food for thought.