How to antique grips? (Pic added)

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 7:26 pm

Sorry, I did a search but I can't find the suggestions on how to antique a set of plastic white grips.

I've got the ones that come factory standard on newer Ruger Bisley Vaqueros and I'd like to yellow/age/antique them a bit. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Oly

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:03 pm

I don't know that the plastic Ruger's grip makers use can be aged, but you could try soaking them in a strong solution of tea. That is what John Wayne did to his to yellow them.

Joe

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:21 pm

Been soaking all day - NADDA!

I think it may be a case of "better living through chemistry" helping me out here...

Honestly, I pretty much HATE all plastic Ruger grips. Some of the wood and laminate grips are fine, but the plastic grips they use are just awful in my opinion.

Oly

mran1126 · Post by **mran1126** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:35 pm

Buy some different ones? Might not be possible to antique those.

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:40 pm

Well, the guys in CAS used to use lighter fluid and apply and light and that would yellow the grips - but obviosly, be careful. Might try a very small spot on the inside of the grips as a test...

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:59 pm

leather dye--choose the color and tone you like-----------Sixgun

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 9:18 pm

Coffee and tea works good for real ivory. I don't remember the chemical used to amber Sambar stag (Potassium Permangenate?). But, plastic I don't know.

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:28 pm

Sixgun wrote:leather dye--choose the color and tone you like-----------Sixgun

+1 Just rub it on then wipe it off.

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:38 pm

Leather dye! I knew someone here had posted a how-to, just couldn't remember...

Here's the gun just for eye candy purposes.

I buffed these with 1500 wet/dry and it made about a 1000% improvement. I've got a black set on order...we shall see.

Cheers,
Oly

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:53 am

I use amber stain to antique bone, which will take the stain nicely. Plastic might take a little color with some experimenting - maybe judicious use of a heat gun plus stain might help.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 11:03 am

Oly,

You can do what I did and have Cary Chapman of CLC Custom Grips make you a set of yellowed American Holley grips

CLC yellowed AM Holly grips 12-23-06b_web.JPG

The holly not only looks very much like ivory it has a very good "feel" to it. Not slick like plastic. Doesn't slip in the hand when you get sweaty either.
It's well worth the cost in my not so humble opinion.

Joe

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 12:06 pm

Joe,

That holly is some amazing stuff - incredibly white and hard. But I'm actually a fan of black grips on silver guns so I'd be leaning more towards ebony or buffalo horn etc. Stag also looks good on just about anything in my view but it's so dang expensive.

Cheers,
Oly

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 1:00 pm

OK, then I'd still suggest CLC Custom Grips. Here's his link. Check him out if you haven't already.
http://www.clccustomgrips.com/

Joe

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:09 pm

[ I'm actually a fan of black grips on silver guns so I'd be leaning more towards ebony or buffalo horn etc.]

FWIW, I onct boughten a used stainless ROA that had white bone grip panels I hated - until I sprayed them flat/matte black.

[ Stag also looks good on just about anything in my view but it's so dang expensive]

Talk to Sack Peterson - He made me a set of Elkhorn grips, for a LOT cheaper than Sanbar Stag.
http://www.sackpeterson.com/models/bisley.html

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:19 pm

Thanks!

Oly

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:52 pm

J Miller wrote:Oly,

You can do what I did and have Cary Chapman of CLC Custom Grips make you a set of yellowed American Holley grips
CLC yellowed AM Holly grips 12-23-06b_web.JPG
The holly not only looks very much like ivory it has a very good "feel" to it. Not slick like plastic. Doesn't slip in the hand when you get sweaty either.
It's well worth the cost in my not so humble opinion.

Joe

I'll second Joe on American Holly. You'll love grips made with this wood. I bought a set of Sgt. Schultz grips for my Ruger Super Blackhawk from C. Cash here, and they are stunning and feel even better!

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:44 am

In had Pvt. Schultz make a set of ebony grips for my Montado - they're lovely and feel great.

Oly

gak · Post by **gak** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 4:49 am

+1 to the holly...and ebony, have a set each from Carl, Montado and .44 Sheriff--both SS, and holly on a SS .44 Mag Vaq. Also a set of Sack's elks I switch off on the shorties.

perry owens · Post by **perry owens** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:29 pm

I like the buffalo horn on my Old Army's

Perry Owens

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 12:19 am

That looks REALLY nice Perry.

Oly

How to antique grips? (Pic added)

How to antique grips? (Pic added)

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