New luger grips
 

Just acquired a new set of unfinished walnut grips. What is the best way to finish them? Linseed oil? Stain? Dull varnish? Would appreciate the experts view. [img]confused.gif[/img]

I am no expert. And with this in mind, read on.

These grips are new and not original so I would treat them differently than old grips. Stain them to suit your fancy and then use polyurethane until you reach the gloss that you desire. The stuff will soak into the wood and seal them forever. And polyurethane is clear, so it will not cloud the stain that you have applied.

Just my 2�¢ worth.

Thanks Wes, I think that is very "expert" advice. I would not have thought of the polyurethane. Many thanks.

While the polyurethane would look nice, I would do a hot linseed oil hand rub job. I did that once on a gunstock and it was really nice and also helped preserve the wood. It is a lot work rubbing with the palms of your hands but the results are worth it.

I use Watco Danish Oil Finish. It is made of Tung Oil which is better than Linseed Oil.For stains I prefer Pilkington's Classic Spirit Stain. The Watco can be obtained at your local paint or hardware store, the stain from Brownells. <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />

Have never used Watco on grips, but I use it to create a hand-rubbed finish on jewelry boxes. It leaves a beautiful warm glow when rubbed with a cloth. And, it is durable.

Herb, I like the Watco's myself and it is available with a Walnut stain alread mixed in, if you perfer. Tom H.

Luke, please check your private messages.