Sanding and Painting Radiused Thumbstuds

[JJPaul]

Hi All,

I'd like to customize the look of one of my knives with Red Thumbstuds but having a hard time getting the old black paint/coating off the radiused edge of the thumbstuds. Given the small area I can't really get in with any sort of sandpaper and I've tried a handful of paint removers and nothing seems to get in there. Any suggestions here? I'm worried a sandblaster is the only way to get the old paint off, but don't really want to spend $100+ on a compressor setup.

Once that's done any hints on painting, is it just as simple as applying some primer followed by a few coats of paint?

(I know not the fanciest knife modification, but its a start).

 

[siguy]

i assume you've tried already, but just in case you haven't...
try getting something like a popsickle stick, cut a 45 degree angle point in the end, and wrap the sandpaper tightly around it to get into the corners.

have you tried removing the thumbstud or is it attached permenantly? if its removable you might be able to pinch it in a pair of pliers to sand it completely. just don't mangle it!!

as for repainting, i think it might be hard since this is a very high-wear point on the knife, so i would say use a really good primer and a really good top coat...some kind of sealant. i don't do paints really, so don't know what to use, but if you describe your needs to the guy at the model builder's shop or the hardware store you might get what you need. you could also try an epoxy or superglue topcoat.

hope this helps!

 

[308sniper]

Use a detail file to get the paint off. Then use red finger nail polish or car touch up paint on the stud. It's lacquer base paint and is easy to touch up when needed.