Proper grip cleaning?

JimD · 09-24-2005, 07:45 PM

I have a 1st issue DWM that has very nice grips although pretty dark. What is the best way to clean them and lighten them up a little?

Ron Smith · 09-24-2005, 08:21 PM

Hi Jim, I use an old toothbrush , Dawn dishwashing detergent and warm water. Scrub them very gently. They can be fragile. Have some paper towels handy. After rinsing, just press them gently between the towels to remove as much water as possible. And let them air dry.

Use Tung oil or "Watco" untinted Danish furniture oil, applied with cotton balls. Just dab it on and let it dry. About 3 applications is about right. Use a toothbrush to gently remove any fuzz left by the cottonballs.

The key here is "GENTLY". Hold them gently, scrub them gently and oil them gently.

This wood is old, thin, and saturated with years of oil and grime which will tend to make them brittle.

DON'T use linseed oil. It will soften and darken the wood.

Good Luck! Ron

Edward Tinker · 09-24-2005, 08:45 PM

let them air-dry for at least 24 hours, do not force dry them, i.e. by warming in a exceedingly dry or hot area.

ed

JimD · 09-24-2005, 08:51 PM

Thanks, fellas.

Edward Tinker · 09-24-2005, 08:57 PM

also, keep in mind, some grips are dark naturally while others are very light...

Ed

Luke · 09-25-2005, 12:47 AM

I have used Watco Danish Oil for years on small woodworking projects with excellent results. However, be aware that rags (maybe cotton swabs also) used with the oil can spontaneously combust in a confined area. I use a soft cloth, then spread it to dry in the sun afterwards.

Good luck,
Luke

09-24-2005, 07:45 PM	#1
JimD User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Proper grip cleaning? I have a 1st issue DWM that has very nice grips although pretty dark. What is the best way to clean them and lighten them up a little? __________________ "Dyin' aint much of a livin', boy".

09-24-2005, 08:21 PM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Hi Jim, I use an old toothbrush , Dawn dishwashing detergent and warm water. Scrub them very gently. They can be fragile. Have some paper towels handy. After rinsing, just press them gently between the towels to remove as much water as possible. And let them air dry. Use Tung oil or "Watco" untinted Danish furniture oil, applied with cotton balls. Just dab it on and let it dry. About 3 applications is about right. Use a toothbrush to gently remove any fuzz left by the cottonballs. The key here is "GENTLY". Hold them gently, scrub them gently and oil them gently. This wood is old, thin, and saturated with years of oil and grime which will tend to make them brittle. DON'T use linseed oil. It will soften and darken the wood. Good Luck! Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

09-24-2005, 08:51 PM	#4
JimD User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks, fellas. __________________ "Dyin' aint much of a livin', boy".

09-25-2005, 12:47 AM	#6
Luke User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC - USA Posts: 1,239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 6 Posts	I have used Watco Danish Oil for years on small woodworking projects with excellent results. However, be aware that rags (maybe cotton swabs also) used with the oil can spontaneously combust in a confined area. I use a soft cloth, then spread it to dry in the sun afterwards. Good luck, Luke __________________ "Peace, if possible; truth, at any cost." . . . Martin Luther

09-24-2005, 08:45 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	let them air-dry for at least 24 hours, do not force dry them, i.e. by warming in a exceedingly dry or hot area. ed

09-24-2005, 08:57 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	also, keep in mind, some grips are dark naturally while others are very light... Ed