Finish Question / Has anyone done this? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Euclidean · 10-14-2006, 06:17 PM

The "new" finish introduced on the XD45ACP is essentially the tennifer finish under a new brand name, correct? My understanding is that Tennifer is not really a finish like NP3 or any of the various spray and bakes, but rather a colorless metallurgical process involving a chemical bath to increase hardness and corrosion resistance. The black color is merely the result of a powder finish. That is, if I understand correctly.

I'm wondering if you could sand the powder off, leaving only a dull stainless finish that would still have all the benefits of the Melonite. I think that would look neat and it's cheap.

tec · 10-14-2006, 07:18 PM

Try it, take a picture and post it here. Let us know , eh?

Odin · 10-14-2006, 07:44 PM

Done

Euclidean · 10-15-2006, 05:39 PM

Coooooool. Maybe I should try it.

How did you do yours? Dremel tool?

The Knight Of Light · 10-15-2006, 05:44 PM

The metal underneath is not stainless steel. It is still carbon steel which is why the Melonite finish works. Removing the black collor removes the corosion resistant properties of the metal treatment.

Euclidean · 10-15-2006, 06:30 PM

But why would it, if Melonite is Tennifer? It may not be stainless steel that's true, but the powder would just be for appearance would it not?

Chewie146 · 10-15-2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Euclidean

But why would it, if Melonite is Tennifer? It may not be stainless steel that's true, but the powder would just be for appearance would it not?

According to my concealed carry instructor, you are correct. The black finish can wear off, but the corrosion resistance would still be around. He's a Glock man (nobody's perfect), and he claims that you can still put it in salt water.

The Knight Of Light · 10-15-2006, 09:10 PM

I have sent an e-mail to a company that does melonite finishing for difinitive answer.

Odin · 10-15-2006, 10:40 PM

No rust yet and I the gun has been that way for at least 4 months now. I believe the melonite embedded much deeper in the metal then just the surface. About the only thing I use to protect the outside is some Mothers metal polish just to keep the finger prints off.

Doesn't take that long to do. I think I started off with 320 and worked my way to a 800 all by hand no machine. There have been others on this forum that have done more sanding and polishing to almost get it to a mirror shine.

buzzgreenberg@msn.com · 10-16-2006, 09:04 AM

Not as bright as gluing tin foil and mirrors to the rest of the weapon. Polish it, add spotlights, glow in the dark decals and paint, Also a neon light with the phrase "shoot at this". Although a good looking gun can look better, remember the hotrodders phrase "If it don't go....chrome it"..... All that work trying to make a weapon less obtrusive gone in a frenzied flurry of 320 to 800 grit activity........Bottom of mag is perfect place to glue on a mirror........

10-14-2006, 06:17 PM	#1
Euclidean XDTalk Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 33	Finish Question / Has anyone done this? The "new" finish introduced on the XD45ACP is essentially the tennifer finish under a new brand name, correct? My understanding is that Tennifer is not really a finish like NP3 or any of the various spray and bakes, but rather a colorless metallurgical process involving a chemical bath to increase hardness and corrosion resistance. The black color is merely the result of a powder finish. That is, if I understand correctly. I'm wondering if you could sand the powder off, leaving only a dull stainless finish that would still have all the benefits of the Melonite. I think that would look neat and it's cheap. __________________ I do not kill with my gun; he who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father. I kill with my heart.

10-14-2006, 07:44 PM	#3
Odin XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 555	Done __________________ MK12 Mod1 SPR XD45 Tactical XD9 Service

10-15-2006, 05:39 PM	#4
Euclidean XDTalk Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 33	Coooooool. Maybe I should try it. How did you do yours? Dremel tool? __________________ I do not kill with my gun; he who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father. I kill with my heart.

10-15-2006, 05:44 PM	#5
The Knight Of Light XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 8,708 Blog Entries: 12	The metal underneath is not stainless steel. It is still carbon steel which is why the Melonite finish works. Removing the black collor removes the corosion resistant properties of the metal treatment. __________________ No Matter Where You Go, There You Are. USPSA #L3077 What a great number!!! http://theknightoflight.blogspot.com/ Creator of TOP 'O' THE PAGE!!! Moose Fight Last edited by The Knight Of Light : 10-15-2006 at 07:09 PM.

10-15-2006, 06:30 PM	#6
Euclidean XDTalk Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 33	But why would it, if Melonite is Tennifer? It may not be stainless steel that's true, but the powder would just be for appearance would it not? __________________ I do not kill with my gun; he who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father. I kill with my heart.

10-14-2006, 07:18 PM	#2
tec XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Holland Ohio Posts: 8,643 Blog Entries: 1	Try it, take a picture and post it here. Let us know , eh?

10-15-2006, 09:10 PM	#8
The Knight Of Light XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 8,708 Blog Entries: 12	I have sent an e-mail to a company that does melonite finishing for difinitive answer. __________________ No Matter Where You Go, There You Are. USPSA #L3077 What a great number!!! http://theknightoflight.blogspot.com/ Creator of TOP 'O' THE PAGE!!! Moose Fight

10-15-2006, 10:40 PM	#9
Odin XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 555	No rust yet and I the gun has been that way for at least 4 months now. I believe the melonite embedded much deeper in the metal then just the surface. About the only thing I use to protect the outside is some Mothers metal polish just to keep the finger prints off. Doesn't take that long to do. I think I started off with 320 and worked my way to a 800 all by hand no machine. There have been others on this forum that have done more sanding and polishing to almost get it to a mirror shine. __________________ MK12 Mod1 SPR XD45 Tactical XD9 Service

10-16-2006, 09:04 AM	#10
buzzgreenberg@msn.com XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 70	Hmmmm "Glistening Precious is mine" thought Golem Not as bright as gluing tin foil and mirrors to the rest of the weapon. Polish it, add spotlights, glow in the dark decals and paint, Also a neon light with the phrase "shoot at this". Although a good looking gun can look better, remember the hotrodders phrase "If it don't go....chrome it"..... All that work trying to make a weapon less obtrusive gone in a frenzied flurry of 320 to 800 grit activity........Bottom of mag is perfect place to glue on a mirror........

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode