Cleaning old grips

Madcow · 10-31-2017, 09:37 PM

Just picked up a Portuguese Navy, and the grips are filthy. Any thoughts on the best way to clean them? Thanks

DavidJayUden · 10-31-2017, 10:46 PM

I like to use a bit of paint thinner or mineral spirits, maybe with just a bit of linseed oil blended in and carefully clean them with a toothbrush.
There are differing schools of thought on the subject, from cleaning and re-checkering to doing nothing, leaving the dirt on.
Be careful, handle them with great care, and do nothing aggressive.
dju

Sergio Natali · 11-01-2017, 03:30 AM

Everybody here has got his own way, in any case if you have a look at the FAQ you'll probably find some answers already.

Regards.

4 Scale · 11-01-2017, 01:50 PM

Also do a search of existing threads, this subject is frequently discussed.

DonVoigt · 11-01-2017, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4 Scale

Also do a search of existing threads, this subject is frequently discussed.

No one ever reads the stickys or tries the search feature first!

4 Scale · 11-01-2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

No one ever reads the stickys or tries the search feature first!

I think many do; those who don't are missing a great pleasure as the wealth of knowledge here and on the Jan Still site are impressive. Just trying to share the fun with my 'recommendation'.

Tinplatejeff · 12-09-2017, 01:16 AM

I had my grips cleaned by Jim Solomon here on the forum. His work is impeccable, you won’t regret it.

Ron Wood · 12-09-2017, 12:36 PM

A number of those Portuguese Navy Lugers were stored in drums of old motor oil and the grips are a mess. Here in southern New Mexico we have an abundance of hot summer sun. I put my grips out in the sun on paper towels and you would be astounded at the amount of oil that baked out of them. They never did become completely free of the oil but a bit of mineral spirits and an old toothbrush helped them along a bit more. Still not pristine but more in line with the condition of the rest of the gun.
Ron

Edward Tinker · 12-09-2017, 02:46 PM

I usually use Simple Green, it is not very caustic, however, no matter how you clean it will look gray and icky - but then once dried you use boiled linseed oil or the like and they look good.
Simple green - toothbrush, washing with water - repeat - they will look used but not new (which is what I want)...

cirelaw · 12-09-2017, 09:02 PM

Jim is my hero! He is a miracle worker and very reasonable!!! God Bless~

10-31-2017, 09:37 PM	#1
Madcow User Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 53 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	Cleaning old grips Just picked up a Portuguese Navy, and the grips are filthy. Any thoughts on the best way to clean them? Thanks __________________ Don't take life too seriously, because your not going to make it out alive.

11-01-2017, 03:30 AM	#3
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Everybody here has got his own way, in any case if you have a look at the FAQ you'll probably find some answers already. Regards. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

12-09-2017, 01:16 AM	#7
Tinplatejeff User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 68 Thanks: 77 Thanked 44 Times in 23 Posts	I had my grips cleaned by Jim Solomon here on the forum. His work is impeccable, you won’t regret it. __________________ "We are simply passing through history. This, this is history." - Rene Belloq to Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

12-09-2017, 12:36 PM	#8
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,011 Thanks: 1,088 Thanked 5,149 Times in 1,694 Posts	A number of those Portuguese Navy Lugers were stored in drums of old motor oil and the grips are a mess. Here in southern New Mexico we have an abundance of hot summer sun. I put my grips out in the sun on paper towels and you would be astounded at the amount of oil that baked out of them. They never did become completely free of the oil but a bit of mineral spirits and an old toothbrush helped them along a bit more. Still not pristine but more in line with the condition of the rest of the gun. Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

10-31-2017, 10:46 PM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	I like to use a bit of paint thinner or mineral spirits, maybe with just a bit of linseed oil blended in and carefully clean them with a toothbrush. There are differing schools of thought on the subject, from cleaning and re-checkering to doing nothing, leaving the dirt on. Be careful, handle them with great care, and do nothing aggressive. dju

11-01-2017, 01:50 PM	#4
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 489 Times in 251 Posts	Also do a search of existing threads, this subject is frequently discussed.

12-09-2017, 02:46 PM	#9
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,926 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,523 Times in 2,089 Posts	I usually use Simple Green, it is not very caustic, however, no matter how you clean it will look gray and icky - but then once dried you use boiled linseed oil or the like and they look good. Simple green - toothbrush, washing with water - repeat - they will look used but not new (which is what I want)...

12-09-2017, 09:02 PM	#10
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Jim is my hero! He is a miracle worker and very reasonable!!! God Bless~