GRIP REFINISH

[WARD]

Finish striping recommendation please. I have some nice XR3-RED grips I picked up from a local gunshop and would like to use them on one of my 80's vintage 32 mags but they are just too red in color. I would like to refinish them and tone down the color a bit. What is the best way to strip the factory finish from these grips?

Thanks for the help
Ward

 

[G2]

METHYL ETHYL KETONE

 

[WARD]

MEK - Do you soak them in it or ??

 

[G2]

Sure,

Push out the medallions with a punch from the back, go slow and easy, most just push out, every now and then have to give them a little tapptytap. I don't worry about the ferrules.

Drop em in and let them soak. take them out whip em off and sit for a day or two allow them to dry out good. They look like crap at this point , but this is good. means the MEK did it's work.

I like;
WATCO DANISH OIL, (Pint, Quarts, Gallons) from Rust-Oleum, is a unique blend of penetrating oil & varnish finish that hardens in the wood, not on the wood. Watco Danish Oil penetrates deep into wood pores to protect from within and to enhance the natural look and feel of the wood. It creates the rich, warm glow of a traditional hand-rubbed finish. Many projects can be completed in less than an hour - simply brush or wipe on and wipe off. Watco Danish Oil is the choice of fine woodworkers and novices alike.

I rub it in using 1500 wet/dry, let it sit about a hour and wipe it off. let it dry for a few days. My color preference is Dark Walnut.
I clean the ferrules with a Q-tip when done staining.

A week or so later you can give them a coat of tru-oil/ tung oil if desired.

A little JB weld or RTV on the back of the medallion's and carefully push them back in.

Have fun, Good Luck !

WARNING!! Handle the MEK as per the instructions on the can. It's mean stuff.

 

[Robb Barnes]

Hamilton Bowen did a how to article on that exact thing in one of the gun rags last month Very informative and in his usual style, very entertaining as well.

 

[WARD]

Thanks guys, I'll get some of the supplies together and give it a try.

Any idea where I could get a look at the Bowen article??

Ward

 

[Robb Barnes]

GUNS magazine was the one it was in.

 

[WARD]

I found the article on line and got to read it - thanks again.

Ward