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General Black Powder => Ask The Experts => Topic started by: Got Colt on February 03, 2021, 12:15:17 AM

Title: What did Colt use finish the walnut grip on...
Post by: Got Colt on February 03, 2021, 12:15:17 AM: Please, help me. Im here mainly because I need an expert or five. I have a Signature Series 1860 Army with the accessories. Once, while attaching a stock I dented both sides of the grip. I have an idea how to repair most of the damage. I thought after removing the grip I would strip the finish with Zip Strip. Then Id use a small electric hobby iron and a damp rag to swell the dents. Then refinish the grip and reattach it. Does anybody have a better idea? What finish did Colt use?
Title: Re: What did Colt use finish the walnut grip on...
Post by: ssb73q on February 03, 2021, 08:23:12 AM: Hi Got Colt, IMO it was probably boiled linseed oil. However, you can never go wrong with Tru-Oil:

https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-True-Oil-Finish-8-Ounce/dp/B0000C5398/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-rsf1_0?cv_ct_cx=Casey+True-Oil&dchild=1&keywords=Casey+True-Oil&pd_rd_i=B0000C5398&pd_rd_r=1d1e0e05-cf6a-4500-8dec-22462630473d&pd_rd_w=us9Ln&pd_rd_wg=tAgfC&pf_rd_p=5d815bf0-8407-4925-96a4-1fe69f424373&pf_rd_r=AT25CRZXC7ZVARPG1ZC7&psc=1&qid=1612369233&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1-526ea17f-3f73-4b50-8cd8-6acff948fa5a

Photo of grip refinished with Tru-Oil.

Regards,
Richard
Title: Re: What did Colt use finish the walnut grip on...
Post by: ShotgunDave on February 03, 2021, 08:41:34 AM: Welcome to Colt Country!

I agree with Richard. BLO or Try-Oil are your best bet. It sounds like you already have a good plan to repair the damage.

We'd love to see some pictures when you get it done.
Title: Re: What did Colt use finish the walnut grip on...
Post by: tljack on February 03, 2021, 09:13:02 AM: All there years, it has been my understanding that it was varnish.......?
Title: Re: What did Colt use finish the walnut grip on...
Post by: mazo kid on February 03, 2021, 11:31:39 AM: Maybe, but this is a modern reproduction. I have an old electric iron that I use for projects like that. And you can make your own "TruOil" by mixing Polyurethane and mineral spirits.
Title: Re: What did Colt use finish the walnut grip on...
Post by: Hawg on February 03, 2021, 06:04:03 PM: Quote from: tljack on February 03, 2021, 09:13:02 AM
All there years, it has been my understanding that it was varnish.......?

Original 1851 and 1860 Colt's had black walnut grips. Civilian grips were hand polished varnish. Military grips were oil finished.
Title: Re: What did Colt use finish the walnut grip on...
Post by: tljack on February 04, 2021, 11:41:00 AM: Thanks for the clarification Hawg!