Grip Refinish Question...Help!

[loeman]

I apologize for this question being about a Colt, but knowing this forum as I do, I know I will get some good answers or advice.

I have a Colt Pre Woodsman manufactured in 1926. When I bought it in 2002 I didn't know much about it other than it was really old and quite cool. The condition is really great too. Maybe around 85%. It was also returned to the Colt factory for the Hi-Velocity ammo mod.

I've since learned that the grips are not early black plastic or Bakelite as I originally thought. They are factory original walnut checkered grips that someone decided to paint black! Can you imagine? Anyway, it really bothers me. Can these grips be safely stripped and refinished? Would I be doing more harm than good? Actually the gun looks quite nice with the black grips but it's JUST NOT RIGHT for such a nice gun. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Henry O]

Yes is the simple answer to your question about refinishing the grips, and removing the black paint. Value is in the eye of the beholder. If you desire to be authentic pick the time when it suits you best. My preference would be to have the grips the way i want until it is time to sell, show or trade the gun. You also have other options in the marketplace. Original grips for Smith and Wesson or Colt of that vintage can be difficult to find, but they can be found. I would be asking myself what do I want from the gun? And therein you will find your answer.

 

[Rule3]

Of course they can be stripped. Someone painted them???

Just go to Wlly Wart or HomeDepot and get some spry paint, varnish stripper and some supper fin steel wool. Get some acetone on mineral spits if you do not have them. Glowes are good also,

I use Crown Tuff Strip takes 15-20 minutes. Wipe off the gloop with the fine steel wool. May need another coat Then wipe it down with acetone or mineral spirits,

You can lightly sand the no checkered parts, I use a brass/bronze clean brush or tooth brush to get into the checkered part.

Cover the emblems with masking tape and finish with a oil finish like Tru Oil, or similar.

 

[RonJ]

If you use TruOil be sure to cut it. It's too thick for checkering.

 

[Walter Rego]

Use paint stripper first. The paste type is best and get the kind that cleans up with mineral spirits rather than water. Use a toothbrush to get the paint out of the checkering. The checking is pretty fine and if you use steel wool or a bronze toothbrush you risk screwing up the checkering unless it was already pretty worn down.
Rinse with mineral spirits. Then soak in a closed jar of acetone for a few hours. That will remove any residual paint. They will look like bleached driftwood afterwards. Don't worry. Get some Watco Danish Oil, natural color. Apply per directions. That will do it without making them shiny or clogging the checkering.

 

[loeman]

Thank you for the advice and instructions

A big thanks to HenryO, Rule3, RonJ and Walter Rego. You guys have provided me with what I need to know and do.

I have experience at refinishing furniture but never have dealt with gun stock checkering. My Woodsman grips are in near perfect condition (except for the black paint) with little or no wear and no cracks or chips. Anyway, I'm off to the store to get my supplies. I'll post before and after pics a little later.

HenryO, thanks to you for asking, "What do I want from the gun?" My answer is an old gem that looks RIGHT!

 

[H Richard]

An old toothbrush works well in the checkering area. To scrub out the remnants of old paint after stripping and when applying the Tru Oil. To put tru oil on the checkering (only one coat) dab your finger tip in the tru oil and get just enough to cover the area , then rub in with the finger tip as best can and then use a old "clean" toothbrush to spread it in the checkering. You can (should ) put 3+ coats on the smooth parts of the grip but not the checkering. Wipe down with 0000 steel wool between each coat then wipe off with a tack rag. After applying with your fingertip rub out with the heel of your hand, then hang in a dust free area to dry. I let mine dry overnight. When you have applied as many coats as you desire, let dry for a week. Then mix a solution of Rottenstone and mineral oil until it forms a thin paste. Using a soft cotton rag (T Shirt) and gently rub out the shiny smooth finish until it becomes a soft glow. Enjoy. A coat of wax will finish them off.

 

[Rule3]

I have done many SW grips (stocks) but do not know about Colt. Is their color lighter than SW? Perhaps some tung oil rather than Tru Oil??

Loeman, it is really the same as furniture refinshing. Years ago my Wife and I used to do a lot of our household stuff the "Formbys" way, till I figured out you could get the same stuff for a lot less money.