Polishing Grip Frame???

[tdd4570]

I thought I had seen a post, but I can't find it.

My blue single six is at the gunsmith getting the barrel cut to 4 5/8's. 

When it comes back, I want to polish the grip frame.  Some of the finish is coming off and I think the silver/aluminum grip frame looks good.

Now my question,  what is the best way to get rid of the finish and polish it up?

Thanks

Dave

[BlkHawk73]

  3M pads should work.  Perhaps wet-sanding w/ 800 paper to hasten it up but I'd rather take the time to do it right.  Can't put the material back once it's gone.

[GatCat]

I used an oven cleaner to take of most of the anodized finish. Just be carefull with it, wear gloves, etc.
Mark

[Flash]

I used lye drain cleaner but submerged for seconds does the trick.

[Duke0313]

Okay, can you just take the paint off and leave it with the bare aluminum or do you need to protect and seal it with something?

[GatCat]

Just polish the bare aluminum till you get the finish you like ( burnished? dull? bright? ). It should stay that way, unless possibly stained by something, but that hasn't happened to mine.
Mark

[hunterspistol]

    Having an aluminum grip frame myself, would you guys care to post pics of the results? I find it interesting that you have found a new custom touch.
Ron

[flatgate]

 I find it interesting that you have found a new custom touch.
Ron

Well, not too new!  Ruger used polished aluminum grip frames on their Engraved series of Single-Sixes back in the 1950's.



They had some nice wood for them, as well.

flatgate

[hunterspistol]

     Wow, that's purdy! Thank you.

   Ron

[Dee]

There's really nothing new about it. Back in the 70s I was taking Colt Lightweight Commander receivers to a friend of mine (a jeweler) and he would polish the anodized finish off for me. I would then throat the barrels, port and flute the slides, and a few other tricks, put a Smith type front sight (taller ramp) on it, and Bomar adjustable rear. I could sell'em fast as I could build'em.