Refinishing Tips?

[beagleye]

I am thinking about refinishing some older target grips (cokes). They have a couple of chips that I would like to fill and overall, pretty scuffed up.

Are there particular strippers that are best, or others that are to be avoided? I remember something about plastic medallions melting. What vintage is this a concern for?

Whats the most original looking finish, tung, linseed, true oil?

Best fillers? Epoxy dust mix or something else?

Thanks, Pete

 

[Tyrod]

Start here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/129174-how-grip-stocks-refinishing-photos-finished.html

 

[jepp2]

The thread referenced was what I used to start with.

I find the longer I let them soak in the acetone the less scrubbing with a toothbrush I have to do. So I soak mine for at least 24 hours before I start. By then, most of the finish is already gone. I keep my acetone cleaner so the alcohol wash wasn't really needed.

If you want the factory finish, linseed will be more matte. I normally use tung oil finish which is not at all like pure tung oil. I can control how much shine by the number of coats. I believe it is similar to Tru-oil in results. But as listed in the thread, you can adjust the finish some by either polishing it or using something to take the luster off.

I haven't needed to fill any voids, but have raised some dents.