Dulling a Polished Stainless Revolver

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Indiana

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • comm2679

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Oct 27, 2017
    111
    28
    East Central
    Hello!

    I’ve got a S&W Model 66-1 that appears to have been polished. I’m not a fan of this look and prefer the factory finish. I’m not looking for a media-blasted dullness, but just to knock the shine down a little bit. I have heard 0000 Steel Wool as a suggestion but I wanted to check here first.

    Thanks!

    comm2679
     

    Chance

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 25, 2009
    1,038
    129
    Berne
    Steel wool will give you swirls. I have an air eraser that blast very fine abrasive that will replicate the fine no-gloss finish. Look at the ones on Amazon
     

    PatriotX

    Marksman
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Apr 6, 2014
    146
    28
    Michiana
    The grey Scotchbrite will help quite a bit, it’s useful to have a factory example to look at to show direction in which to sand.

    1000-grit wet/dry with a bit of CLP on it is a good intermediate step too.
     

    migunner

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Jul 4, 2011
    444
    28
    DeMotte
    Low pressure glass bead blast. You can use my cabinet and gun if you can get to NW Indiana. I use it for my SS 1911 Builds.
     

    TJ Kackowski

    Let it begin here.
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    133   0   1
    Jun 8, 2012
    1,877
    113
    Hendricks County

    Attachments

    • Polishing-Compound-Chart.pdf
      180.4 KB · Views: 7
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Dec 14, 2011
    117
    28
    Anderson
    Where would one find the "very fine ruby compound?" I have a polished model 66 that I want to make look original too.
    This article just came back from the grave and looks like it contains what you want ... https://www.indianagunowners.com/threads/how-to-polish-a-stainless-steel-pistol.380317/

    My understanding of polishing compounds is that they are color coded by grit this chart may help you identify exactly what you're looking.
    Do you think I can blast it to get back to the original finish?
     

    TJ Kackowski

    Let it begin here.
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    133   0   1
    Jun 8, 2012
    1,877
    113
    Hendricks County
    As stated above, the only way to do it correctly is to bead blast.
    Help me out here, because I'm getting confused. To properly create a dulled finish in SS, you need to bead blast. Scotchbrite, steel wool, or fine wire wheels just won't do the proper job.

    In order to provide a POLISHED finish, one must use some sort of polishing compound and elbow grease or a polishing wheel on a rotary device.

    Somehow, we've combined finishes in this thread.
     
    Rating - 100%
    128   0   0
    Jan 28, 2009
    3,656
    113
    If you blast it, use a dedicated glass bead machine that has been used on stainless steel aluminum. You don't want to use a blast media that has been used on steel. It will embed steel particles into the stainless steel and cause rust.
     
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Dec 14, 2011
    117
    28
    Anderson
    Sell it buy original unpolished.
    buy pearl grips and act like general Patton.
    dress like huggy bear and use it in your pimp hand
    it is a sign of the times I think 66-1 is 1977 to 1982
    just like shag carpet something they did then
    maybe it cost less than the model 19 in polished nickel
    Actually, it was my dad’s Indiana State Police service revolver with the ISP badge on it. He gave it to me when I was a kid and I scratched it and polished the scratches out. I should have left it the way it was. I do appreciate the General Patton comment though :)
     

    Slow Hand

    Master
    Rating - 99.3%
    145   1   0
    Aug 27, 2008
    3,086
    149
    West Side
    Freedom Arms recommends the maroon Scotch Brite pad to touch up their factory finish. My stainless smith revolvers have a brushed finish to most of the gun except the top strap which is bead blasted to reduce glare.
     
    Top Bottom