Nickel M19 Stored In Leather

[Nick B]

A coworker showed me a nickel model 19 that's been stored in a leather holster for the last 10 years. Now the nickel is pretty dull . What's a safe way to bring back the luster ? How about a light rubbing with Flitz ?
Thanks in advance.

 

[ACORN]

Flitz would be my first choice.

 

[Hair Trigger]

A coworker showed me a nickel model 19 that's been stored in a leather holster for the last 10 years. Now the nickel is pretty dull . What's a safe way to bring back the luster ? How about a light rubbing with Flitz ?
Thanks in advance.

It may take some elbow grease along with the Flitz. I bought a nickel M29-2 a couple of years ago that had been stored in its presentation case for ??? period of time, and was apparently put up dirty. Took me over 3 hours to bring back the shine using Flitz and an old cloth diaper, and another two hours to remove a couple of fingerprints on the yoke arm. Apply, rub and buff, repeat as necessary until all shiny again. Then wax it with Ren Wax

 

[murphydog]

Always a good idea to start with a light abrasive like Flitz and light pressure, and work up as needed from there. And I know I've mentioned this before, but the black stuff that comes off on the cloth is the nickel itself.

 

[jem102]

I have never done nickle but have used Renaissance PRE-LIM on high luster blue to clean up some finger prints with very good results.

 

[chief38]

Yes, Flitz will fit the bill. CAUTION: do NOT use any power tools. Use an old 100% cotton T shirt and use the Flitz by hand. Don't get too aggressive, use light pressure, check work often so you don't go too far, and my go in the same direction (muzzle to rear).

If you are familiar with the complete disassembly you should do that prior to polishing to avoid Flitz from getting inside the gun. Clean thoroughly before reassembly.

Remember, Nickel is thin so I'd suggest doing the minimum polishing to bring back a descent finish. Also - just keep in mind that while Flitz is a very fine product, it is still an abrasive. With caution and common sense your Nickel should look good again.

Also...... just remember that while Flitz will bring back your Nickel finish to an acceptable appearance, this procedure (at least in my personal opinion) should be a one time deal and not repeated on a regular basis.

 

[stansdds]

Flitz, a soft cotton cloth, finger pressure, no power tools, go slowly and gently and you can remove the oxidation layer. Once polished, I'd recommend wax, Renaissance Wax is great, otherwise use pure carnuba wax or Johnson's paste floor wax. Wax does a good job of protecting the finish from moisture.