[Glock Hoss]

I have acquired a couple of new stainless S&W revolvers and I would like to improve the finish on them. The 686+ I got for a steal and functions wonderfully, but the finish has some dull spots, small scratches and could use some work. I know S&W will do a complete refinish job, but it is not that bad.........I just want to improve it.

Can anyone give me a breakdown of how I should go about improving the finish on this potentially gorgeous revolver. Here are some things that I own already that may help, but I am willing to go buy anything I need. Flitz, a polishing dremel kit (felt wheels and other stuff....), scouring pads (used in the kitchen), and elbow grease. This will be my weekend project. Can anyone post up a step by step kind of thing. If I can get it done, I will post up some pictures when finished. Thanks.

Hoss

[Majic]

Since you are willing to buy everything you need rule nuber one is keep your hands off power tools (the dremel). Power tools can get you in trouble learning to use them. Just get the polishing compound (Flitz or Semichrome) and several grades of the scouring pads and apply some elbow grease.

[dfariswheel]

The kitchen scouring pads are a little too coarse for normal use, although they can be used to remove heavy scratches.

The best synthetic pads are sold in hardware store sandpaper departments, and come in "grits" equivalent to 0000 steel wool.

Another good source is automotive supply houses who sell fine grit pads under the "ScotchBrite" trade name.

To refresh the finish, use the pad to rub the scratches and marrs until they either are removed, or in the case of deep scratches, are blended in.

Finish off by stroking in the same direction as the original grain runs.
Do this by gently stroking instead of rubbing, to prevent circular scratches where the pad reverses direction.

For a little more shine, you can use any good metal polish to remove finer scratches and bring up the shine.
Polishes like Mother's, Flitz, and others will work well, but be careful not to over use since this will cause the metal to begin to shine like nickel.

It's not recommended that you try to convert the finish to a bright polish.
Since the metal will have factory marks still present, these would have to be professionally polished out or the gun will look like a cheap nickel plated finish over an unpolished surface.

DO NOT use steel wool to polish stainless steel or aluminum. The steel wool will embed into the metal and will rust, damaging the stainless.

[bpisler]

Another option is to have them bead
blasted for a matte finish.

[Standing Wolf]

The good folks at http://www.magnaport.com do the best bead blasting I've ever found.

Cheap? No. Fast? No. Good? Yes.

[Glock Hoss]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm heading off to the hardware store here in a little bit. Can anyone tell me specifically what kind of scouring pads to purchase at the hardware store? The scratches/blemishes are not deep at all, so I think the kitchen pads I have will probably be too abrasive. Do you guys recommend taking the pistol completely apart? While using the pads to buff out the minor scratches, do I need to apply some sort of lubricant to the metal or will it work dry? Thanks again guys.

Hoss

[dfariswheel]

I recommend the pads labeled as "0000 steel wool equivalent".

I use them dry, some people use water or oil.

To clean, just wash with water.

It's best to disassemble the gun.

Be careful to stay away from bead blasted areas.
You cannot duplicate bead blasting with anything but a bead blaster, and the synthetic pads will drastically alter the finish in those areas.

[Glock Hoss]

Well, I went and the only thing I could find was stuff labeled "0000 Steel Wool." The stuffs purpose was for in between paint jobs. I could not find any "equivalent" to steel wool stuff. It was a fairly large bag of metal looking stuff that looked like soft steel wool. It was located with the sand paper. Is this the right stuff? I am concerned about the shards getting embedded into my revolver. Thanks for the help dfariswheel.

Hoss

[sgt127]

I get mine from an auto paint and refinishing store. They are 3M Scotchbrite pads. The Dark red one for removing metal (deep scratches) and the grey one for making a nice satin/factory equivelent finish.

[Sunray]

Flitz or jeweller's rouge and a cloth wheel on a bench grinder. Even 0000 steel wool will scratch it more.

[dfariswheel]

Glock Hoss:

DO NOT use the real steel wool.

Shop the hardware stores like Lowe's, they usually have the synthetic pads, or just go to an automotive supply house.

The pads come in colors like gray or white, and look just like the green grocery store pot scrubbers, only with a finer "grit".

[OH25shooter]

I've used Flitz with some success. But, I've found (5 oz. jar) 'Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish' to give a brighter shine to stainless handguns. The more hand rubbing the shinier it becomes. Just my experience.