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: 8,182 Thanks: 1,400 Thanked 4,441 Times in 2,329 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: 3,502 Thanks: 1,318 Thanked 3,639 Times in 1,001 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: 7,010 Thanks: 1,088 Thanked 5,149 Times in 1,694 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: 2,288 Thanks: 2,702 Thanked 971 Times in 716 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.