Quick finish upgrade

Green Frog · #1 07-10-2018, 08:23 PM

I have a set of unusual grips... K-frame wood (walnut?) with basket weave instead of checkering and Fitz branded on the bottom. The problem? They look real dry and dull. Does anybody have a pet (re)finish suggestion? Gotta be quick and easy... I'm an old guy!

TIA~Froggie

chief38 · #2 07-10-2018, 08:25 PM

Tung Oil (100%) always works great for me.

Gunhacker · #3 07-10-2018, 08:47 PM

Wood Fitz grips were available both finished and unfinished, with the logic being that the unfinished grips wouldn't shift and slip in a sweaty hand. The maker of the Fitz grips (John Paul Jones) was somewhat local to me and I exchanged a number of e-mails with him about his grips before his passing, and I ended buying his last remaining supply of "Gunfighter" style N-Frame grips, several of which were unfinished and look like what you describe, dry and dull... so, are you sure yours were originally finished?

Over the years I've used Tung oil, Tru-oil, Min-wax antique oil finish and I've settled on Permalyn gun stock finish from Laurel Mountain Forge:
Finish,
Peramalyn
Gun Stock Finish,
4 ounces,
by Laurel Mountain Forge - Track of the Wolf

I've begun using the sealer version, which is thinner and penetrates better, but it take a lot more applications to build up the coats to get the sheen desired... in exchange for better control of the outcome. A very easy product to work with.

Can you post some pics?

Hondo44 · #4 07-11-2018, 04:34 AM

Froggie,

For thin coats Tru Oil in the spray can.

For one coat and good coverage, tru Oil in the little bottle. Apply with tooth brush in the checkering/basketweave.

Store bottle up side down so you avoid the 'dry skin' on the surface, and you won't need a pipe wrench to get the cap off next time.

Green Frog · #5 07-11-2018, 07:45 AM

Thanks guys. I need a classy set of grips for my recreated Model 16-3 when I pick it up Friday, so I was thinking they would be appropriate. Anything would be better than the grips by Goodyear that the donor Model 14-3 was wearing when it arrived! I'll take these grips as-is or perhaps the custom set I got from schofieldkid when he was in business.

Froggie