I bought a Romanian bakelite grip. Just got it in the mail and it looks like total shit. The entire thing is hairy and smelly. Looks like its covered in mold but on further inspection, it looks like the red fibers of the bakelite are just deteriorating. Is there a way to restore it or did i gamble and lose? can it be sanded down? microwaved? dipped in plastidip? is this thing just a piece of trash that they sold me for 5 bucks?
Also, why are my pictures not embedding? they are just links...
Rub it down with Ballistol and #0000 steel wool. First try the Ballistol on a cloth and see if that alone works. You may as well keep some Ballistol around for the AK because its the best thing to use on it including polymer and wood.
Originally Posted By 1saxman: Rub it down with Ballistol and #0000 steel wool. First try the Ballistol on a cloth and see if that alone works. You may as well keep some Ballistol around for the AK because its the best thing to use on it including polymer and wood.
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If you follow his links and look at the pictures of the grip he has there is no way it will polish out. That thing is mangled. Almost think he was trolling.
Hmmmm....I wonder what a light sanding with some fine sand paper and a clear satin polyurethane finish would do to improve the look, as well as seal the fibers.
That looks like heavy abrasions, like the other poster mentioned I’d seal it with a satin varnish. You might try burning off the stray fibers with a lighter before the varnish.
I bought two Romanian Bakelite grips and I will choose the right from a cosmetic standpoint. So I can use a coating or it is good the leave the grip as it is?
You can apply a Poly type finish, but it will wear off pretty quick. Some use Ballistol. Most will molt over time, and appear "moldy." There is nothing wrong with that. It's the natural patina. It is AK 47s..... not beauty pagent champions.