rcmigpilot Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I picked up a new Para Expert Stainless .45 today. The only thing I don't like about the appearance is that the entire pistol is in a matte finish. I'd like to polish the sides of the slide to give it a sheen similar to the factory Colts and older S&W autos. I know how to do the polishing, just don't know what grit to use to get the right sheen, anyone know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loves2Shoot Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I hope the slide is flat. Start with something that can remove material but not put grooves in it and get it trued and you should up in the 400-600 range. You can kill yourself if you don't increase grit as your go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Miles Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I hope the slide is flat. Start with something that can remove material but not put grooves in it and get it trued and you should up in the 400-600 range. You can kill yourself if you don't increase grit as your go. Use something FLAT as a backing to whatever you go with so the flats stay flat. Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bountyhunter Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) I mirror polished the sides on my Para 1640 stainless using 600, 800 paper and oil then rubbing compound and polishing compound and a soft cloth wheel. Edited January 13, 2014 by bountyhunter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loves2Shoot Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I hope the slide is flat. Start with something that can remove material but not put grooves in it and get it trued and you should up in the 400-600 range. You can kill yourself if you don't increase grit as your go. Use something FLAT as a backing to whatever you go with so the flats stay flat. Pat Yes, a ground tile (we use big ground surface inspection plate) will work in a pinch. If the slide isn't flat enough to get a good true flat polish without excessive material removal, you may need to use a sanding block instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdzman Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I've mirror polished the flats on a couple slides, I started with 600 grit and went to 1500 then 2000, I used the top of a commercial table saw for a true flat surface. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ming the Merciless Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 (edited) You can use a piece of PLATE glass for the flat surface. Easy to clean up and the liquid (water or light oil) will hold the wet/dry sandpaper tightly to the surface. Just don't get fumble fingered and drop the slide on the glass! You can probably pick up a piece large enough (12" x 12") for working on a slide for free or for a very low price at a large glass shop. Edited January 14, 2014 by Ming the Merciless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARKAVELI Posted January 18, 2014 Share Posted January 18, 2014 Steel wool and nufinish works for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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