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Old 08-23-2018, 08:55 PM
Shtf45acp Shtf45acp is offline
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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Default What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish

Does anyone know what blast media I can use to replicate a factory S&W matte finish on a stainless revolver?

I picked up a cheap 625 and there is some scratches on the side plate from a button on the holster. I'd like to take off just the side plate and blast it to match the rest of the revolver. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 08-23-2018, 09:07 PM
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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This research thread deals with the semi-auto pistols, but may be of interest.....

Glass Bead Media Testing on 5906 Frame

Glass beads would most likely be the way to replicate the soft "matte" finish found on the majority of the current stainless S&W revolvers.
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Last edited by armorer951; 08-24-2018 at 01:12 PM.
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Old 08-24-2018, 01:05 PM
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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White play sand
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Old 08-24-2018, 07:24 PM
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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Default Blast Media

The correct grit of glass beads is 270. Brownells sells it and most stores that sell different grades of abrasives carry it or a grit close to it. I have been using it for years with excellent results.
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Old 08-24-2018, 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by terrancemc View Post
The correct grit of glass beads is 270. Brownells sells it and most stores that sell different grades of abrasives carry it or a grit close to it. I have been using it for years with excellent results.
THAT'S A GREAT BIT OF INFORMATION, THAT PRECISELY ANSWERS THIS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION.....

THANKS FOR SHARING IT.....
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Old 08-25-2018, 12:00 AM
Shtf45acp Shtf45acp is offline
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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Originally Posted by terrancemc View Post
The correct grit of glass beads is 270. Brownells sells it and most stores that sell different grades of abrasives carry it or a grit close to it. I have been using it for years with excellent results.
Thank you!

Is there any special pressure or way you go about it when your blasting for a new refinish?
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Old 08-25-2018, 08:05 PM
terrancemc terrancemc is offline
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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Default Blast Media

I generally keep it about 90-100 psi. Those beads are so small that differences in pressure don't seem to change the effect. They feel almost like baking soda in your hand. But bicarbonate of soda breaks down the first time it is used and it doesn't give the look we want. Don't ever use sand on a gun, I have had a few guns brought to me after someone blasted it outside with play sand without totally disassembling the gun. Takes a lot of work to get the surface back to smooth then reblast with the proper media but they still never look as good as if the right media was used the first time. You get what you pay for.
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Old 09-02-2018, 07:10 PM
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I'd agree about the Brownells 270+ glass beads. That's what I've used most for years. The Harbor Freight #80 is also close, with the 270+ being slightly brighter. I use 60-65 PSI for most parts.

Within my humble experience, aluminum oxide produces a significantly coarser, dark matte, finish. I've used crushed walnut shells, soda, etc., but prefer the 270+ for most stainless firearms I've done.
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Last edited by Rock185; 09-02-2018 at 07:11 PM.
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Old 09-04-2018, 09:10 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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There was a thread here on the forum a number of years ago where a feller used Scotch Brite pads to refinish stainless revolvers. The pictures that were posted showed an about perfect match. Try a search.

Here it is:

Scotch Brite for Stainless Finishes
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Last edited by Muley Gil; 09-04-2018 at 09:13 PM.
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Old 09-04-2018, 10:41 PM
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What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish What blast media to use to replicate factory matte SS finish  
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Taking off just the plate won't work. You will need to do the whole thing to make it match.
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