Hi folks,

I have a set of round-butt K stocks that need a refresher. In addition to a mild surface refinish, there are a few areas of checkering that need a small touch-up.


Does anyone still provide such services ? The member who helped me out a few years back hasn’t logged on in a while.

Thanks !

__________________
- Post No Bills -

Its a fairly straight forward process to refinish wood grips. Most anyone can do it with pretty good results. Re-cutting checkering is a different story. Proper tools and a skilled hand are essential so I would not recommend giving that part of the rehab a try unless you are so equipped.

Acetone is a great solvent for removing original finish, dipping the panels and then using a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies. Once stripped, there are several rattle can sprays that give good results, if you want a finish. Some people prefer to use an oil treatment instead of a lacquer. Either one is easily achievable.

When I refinish a grip set, I use the acetone bath to strip the original finish. Then apply a clear gloss or semi-gloss lacquer from a spray can using very light coats, until the desired thickness (or thinness) is achieved. I also mask the grip medallions by cutting a round piece of masking tape to cover them while spraying.

I know member VM used to do grip rehab (and he did a few of mine with great results) but I don't think he's doing it these days. There was another guy here on the forum (Paul, DWFAN?) that did some refinish work whose specialty was repairing damaged grips with missing chunks of wood. Truly a magician in the grip rehab world.

If you feel up to it, you can probably do a very nice refinish yourself, though I wouldn't try the checkering without any experience along those lines.

Good luck!

__________________
FBINA, 204th Session