Question on Grip Finishes

sheepherder · 06-08-2012, 08:45 PM

I have a set of raw grips for my Star [Walnut] that I would like to, uh, 'finish'...

I really like the look of the Golt Gov't Model grips with whatever it is that Colt finishes them with...

I'm guessing it's some kind of stain and then spray lacquer...

OTOH, I've done several Enfield rifle stocks with BLO and they look good too...

Anyway, does anyone have a good idea of what it is that Colt uses???

alvin · 06-08-2012, 09:13 PM

Should be linseed oil. I read it somewhere, but I forgot where.... a small Colt booklet written by Colt fans..

G.T. · 06-08-2012, 09:26 PM

Hi Rich... Aniline dye is what all the big shots have been using for decades, and nearly centuries... It doesn't have any particles suspended, so you get a clear and true color.. Leather dye shops are the best place to start... They are alcohol, oil, or water based.. and easy to use... finish is linseed oil, varnish, or my fav...Danish oil...which is a bit of both?? But, if i had to bet, I'd bet varnish... spray it on 5 min's later, it's dry!..If you need any help let me know... I'll try as best i can...

... Best to you, til...lat'r...GT...

Ron Wood · 06-08-2012, 10:31 PM

Rich,
You might recognize these grips, or maybe not since I put on Formby's Antique Walnut Wiping Stain applied and burnished with an old stiff bristle toothbrush. I'm going to let them cure for a couple of days and then probably top coat them with Minwax Satin Polycrylic spray, kinda like G.T. suggested.
I snailmailed you a short letter today (along with an enclosure) telling of the saga of the stuff I put on and removed before using the Formby's. Not one of my brigher moments.

rhuff · 06-09-2012, 04:18 PM

I have been having good results lately with Formsby's semigloss Tung Oil finish on raw wood grips. I had purchased a pair of raw wood Luger grips from Sarco, and after fitting them, I used the Formsby's and got a soft sheen, sealed, and very nice looking(to me at least) result. When I am after a glossier finish(usually on smooth wood), I go back to my old standby....Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil . I started using this product back in 1971-72, and it does a very nice job for me.

06-08-2012, 08:45 PM	#1
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,197 Thanks: 1,416 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	Question on Grip Finishes I have a set of raw grips for my Star [Walnut] that I would like to, uh, 'finish'... I really like the look of the Golt Gov't Model grips with whatever it is that Colt finishes them with... I'm guessing it's some kind of stain and then spray lacquer... OTOH, I've done several Enfield rifle stocks with BLO and they look good too... Anyway, does anyone have a good idea of what it is that Colt uses??? __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

06-08-2012, 09:26 PM	#3
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,528 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 3,711 Times in 1,014 Posts	Finishes.... Hi Rich... Aniline dye is what all the big shots have been using for decades, and nearly centuries... It doesn't have any particles suspended, so you get a clear and true color.. Leather dye shops are the best place to start... They are alcohol, oil, or water based.. and easy to use... finish is linseed oil, varnish, or my fav...Danish oil...which is a bit of both?? But, if i had to bet, I'd bet varnish... spray it on 5 min's later, it's dry!..If you need any help let me know... I'll try as best i can... ... Best to you, til...lat'r...GT...

06-08-2012, 10:31 PM	#4
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: 7,040 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,257 Times in 1,724 Posts	Rich, You might recognize these grips, or maybe not since I put on Formby's Antique Walnut Wiping Stain applied and burnished with an old stiff bristle toothbrush. I'm going to let them cure for a couple of days and then probably top coat them with Minwax Satin Polycrylic spray, kinda like G.T. suggested. I snailmailed you a short letter today (along with an enclosure) telling of the saga of the stuff I put on and removed before using the Formby's. Not one of my brigher moments. Attached Thumbnails __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

06-08-2012, 09:13 PM	#2
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Should be linseed oil. I read it somewhere, but I forgot where.... a small Colt booklet written by Colt fans..

06-09-2012, 04:18 PM	#5
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,308 Thanks: 2,737 Thanked 993 Times in 729 Posts	I have been having good results lately with Formsby's semigloss Tung Oil finish on raw wood grips. I had purchased a pair of raw wood Luger grips from Sarco, and after fitting them, I used the Formsby's and got a soft sheen, sealed, and very nice looking(to me at least) result. When I am after a glossier finish(usually on smooth wood), I go back to my old standby....Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil . I started using this product back in 1971-72, and it does a very nice job for me.