Ahrends refinishing project

[splittime]

Got a set of Moradillo grips for my 686 and decided to take polyurethane finish off and refinish with tung oil. Thanks to this forum and other sources.

Starting

30 min later

Polyurethane came off super easy, cleaned up with odorless mineral spirits.

First three coats were 50/50 mix tung oil and mineral spirit, 0000 steel wool in between all of the coats. Waited 12 hrs between coats and 24hrs for the last one.

Dried after coat #1

Dried after coat #2

Dried after coat #3

Pure tung oil coats going forward

Dried after coat #4

Dried after coat #5

Dried after coat #6

Dried after final coat #7 , last coat I rubbed in with fingers

Fun project. Next time I'll order unfinished, but I didn't want to wait for 4 months from Ahrends

 

[kthom]

They sure look good to me! Good job!!

 

[Narragansett]

Nice job. I have a set of N frame targets to do.

Just a tip from my refinishing furniture days. When you put the zip strip or the citrus product on, cover the wood, then wrap with saran wrap. So the stripper does not air dry as fast and works longer.

But they do look nice. i do not know if I need to refinish mine, or just polish a few box smudges with 3000 grit paper

 

[Arquebus357]

Your finished grip panels are somewhat darker than they were. I liked the original color better but I understand your wanting to get rid of the poly finish. Something to remember about tung oil I guess.

 

[squidsix]

Nice. I sanded mine vice removing the finish chemically. Then added five coats of Tru Oil.

 

[splittime]

Your finished grip panels are somewhat darker than they were. I liked the original color better but I understand your wanting to get rid of the poly finish. Something to remember about tung oil I guess.

Yes they did came out darker but I like the richness and depth of new finish.

 

[Arquebus357]

That's good then. They have more of a walnut color now which you can't argue with. Those are beautifully made. I would love to see how the finger grooves fit my hand.

 

[one eye joe]

Got a set of Moradillo grips for my 686 and decided to take polyurethane finish off and refinish with tung oil. Thanks to this forum and other sources.

Starting

30 min later

Polyurethane came off super easy, cleaned up with odorless mineral spirits.

First three coats were 50/50 mix tung oil and mineral spirit, 0000 steel wool in between all of the coats. Waited 12 hrs between coats and 24hrs for the last one.

Dried after coat #1

Dried after coat #2

Dried after coat #3

Pure tung oil coats going forward

Dried after coat #4

Dried after coat #5

Dried after coat #6

Dried after final coat #7 , last coat I rubbed in with fingers

Fun project. Next time I'll order unfinished, but I didn't want to wait for 4 months from Ahrends

AHRENDS IN MORADILLO WOOD, FINISHED WITH TUNG OIL, ARE MY FAVORITE GRIPS. I HAVE MANY SETS OF SMOOTH TACTICAL CONVERSION GRIPS.......

NEVER HAVE I EVER SEEN A SET WITH GRAIN AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOURS ! ! !

YOU DID A FANTASTIC JOB STRIPPING AND REFINISHING THEM, AND THEY ARE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS ! ! !

THANKS FOR SHARING THE PROCESS, AND THE FINISHED GRIPS WITH US, THROUGH YOUR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS........

 

[hotshot357]

Great job on the refinish and a SUPER job showing us how you did it. They really look great!! You can't do any better when you have Ahrends & Moradillo wood for price and comfort.