Refinished combats with pics

rollin_hot · #1 07-12-2010, 08:00 PM

I posted a few days a go about how to refinish a set of grips and got nothing so I went to my local woodworking supply store and started asking questions about refinishing a set of grips I recently bought here.

After some fine grain sandpaper and a couple coats of Tung oil, this is what they look like. I think a couple more coats within the next 2 days and they will be awesome.

How did I do.....

Before....

After

Outside without flash....

Inside without flash....

bamabiker · #2 07-12-2010, 08:41 PM

Are they in bad shape, scratches, chips, etc.? Or do they just need refinished?
Can you post a picture?

rollin_hot · #3 07-14-2010, 09:16 PM

Pics posted of end result (almost done)

bamabiker · #4 07-14-2010, 10:23 PM

Nice looking. Have you tried them on a gun for fit?
I was going to tell you to be careful sanding near the edges. It does not take much at the edge to mess up the fit at the back strap. Ask me how I know.

rollin_hot · #5 07-14-2010, 10:35 PM

Checked them for fit before I oiled them. I was very careful around the edges. They had a ton of black marks I assume from hand oils on the fingers grooves that I was able to get off with acetone.

Once I got over my initial fear sanding them it was that bad. thanks!

HEADKNOCKER · #6 07-14-2010, 11:47 PM

They look realy good to me Congrats!!

james56 · #7 09-04-2010, 07:10 AM

Very nice, Just did 3 pairs myself. I don't see why more guy's aren't refinishing there old grips

Sammy · #8 09-04-2010, 08:29 AM

Nice job, looks good.

6pack · #9 09-04-2010, 08:53 AM

They really look nice.

I think you did well.

I can imagine you did frett a bit before hitting them with the gritpaper....probably had to take a deep breath and then just jump into it.

SAFireman · #10 09-04-2010, 09:19 AM

They look good....I didn't see your post about grip refinishing, but there are some threads about doing it. I have a super secret forum member who has done some for me, so I don't mess up anything....

If I knew that you had some N frame combats in bad shape, you could have always sent them to me for some TLC

Sportsterguy · #11 09-04-2010, 06:06 PM

Excellent job! They sure are pretty. I can't use them on my .41 and .44 mags with full power loads as they tear my hands up, but really are some beautiful grips.

rollin_hot · #12 09-04-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportsterguy

Excellent job! They sure are pretty. I can't use them on my .41 and .44 mags with full power loads as they tear my hands up, but really are some beautiful grips.

Thanks, here are some more....

perrazi · #13 09-04-2010, 08:12 PM

really pretty grips. but, one thing wrong with them. they are all for round butt guns.

stmry · #14 09-04-2010, 08:17 PM

I think they look great. you got me thinking.

SAFireman · #15 09-04-2010, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollin_hot

Thanks, here are some more....

I was wondering where the world's supply of N frame combat grips went.

Sportsterguy · #16 09-05-2010, 08:52 AM

rollin_hot, Give me a PM if you ever decide to part with 1 pair of them for a N frame please.

Beautiful set's sir!

andyo5 · #17 09-05-2010, 02:41 PM

Very nice. Personally, I use clear gloss polyurethane to refinish grips. I feel it makes them look more original. But tung oil is also good and is far easier to touch up if needed. Just go over them again with another coat.
I have refinished three sets of target grips so far. I'm currently working on a set of N frame football cutout grips for my 25-2.
Here's the first set that I did. A K/L frame set that I got on a used gun. There was wood damage and the two sides did not match in color. The right side was reddish, the left side was blonde. I had to use stain to force a color match.

rollin_hot · #18 09-05-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyo5

Very nice. Personally, I use clear gloss polyurethane to refinish grips. I feel it makes them look more original. But tung oil is also good and is far easier to touch up if needed. Just go over them again with another coat.
I have refinished three sets of target grips so far. I'm currently working on a set of N frame football cutout grips for my 25-2.
Here's the first set that I did. A K/L frame set that I got on a used gun. There was wood damage and the two sides did not match in color. The right side was reddish, the left side was blonde. I had to use stain to force a color match.

Beautiful!! After about six coats of Old Masters tung oil varnish with a day in between coats I use Varathane as my final coat.

ogilvyspecial · #19 09-05-2010, 03:05 PM

Excellent work rollin hot!!

While I have never refinished any Grips I've refinished many older wooden canoe parts and paddles, more often than not using varnish.

Because varnishes and paints tend to pull away from sharp edges one has to be very careful when prepping between coats using sandpaper, actually you have to be careful anywhere you use sandpaper, a little effort usually goes further than most tend to think..........

The reason I say this is that if you are refinishing anything that you want to keep in it's original shape (size, etc.) you might want to consider using a Scotch Brite Pad for prepping. They come in different "grits", easily conform to different shapes and are much safer (less aggressive) for those with limited sandpaper experience.

By using the Scotch Brite Pads for my between coat varnishing prep's I'm able to get just as good of a "build" near edges (right angles) without the extra care needed if using sandpaper, which I only use when I get into the later coats and am ready for my "final build" coats........

Another tip, all sandpapers aren't created equal so if you are doing a job were you will be using more than just a sheet or two you might want to look into the better stuff..........