DIY Wedge finishing - oil can finish (Pic Heavy)

SatchelRuaz · December 8, 2017

While they're no longer conforming, I just cant part with my 200 Series Titleist Vokey wedges, but they were all starting to get pretty rough looking so I decided I'd try my hand at refinishing them.

I figured I'd put together a quick summary for anyone that is interested.

Here are some pictures of the 54 degree just off the range prior to any work:

Step one was soaking the wedges in a bath of white vinegar overnight. Then I used Goof Off Pro Stripper to remove all the paint fill. Once they were completely bare, I used 80 grit sand paper and then 120 grit to get rid of some of the deep scratches and nicks. Both times I sanded, I lightly sprayed the head with WD-40 to ensure less friction. Here are pictures of the bare head after stripping and sanding:

After it was stripped and sanded to this level, I used a small battery-powered orbital sander to completely sand the head with 220 grit paper. Again coating the head with WD-40 prior to sanding. This evened out all the sanding and ensured there was nice even finish. Unfortunately, like a dummy, I forgot to take pictures after this step, which I really regret because it was a cool look when they were raw. Oh well.

Next, I got a small metal bucket and two quarts of SAE 10W-30. You only need about a quart and a half, but one quart definitely isn't enough. The metal bucket is important because in my method your wedges are going to be unbelievably hot and nothing else will work. Once your oil bath is ready it's time for the real fun.

I used a pizza tray and did two wedges at a time. I used my household oven. 500 degrees and two hours time. Those suckers are going to come out blue they are so hot. And then get them to the oil bath as soon as possible. I had some long-necked needle nose pliers that I put into the hosel to lift them off the pan into the oil. It should also be noted my oil bath was outside. You don't want to do the dipping inside with a risk of a flash. I never had that issue, but can't be too safe. Throw them into the oil and wait. Usually about 15 minutes to fully cool.

Once they are done with their bath they'll come out a deep brown with hues of blue from the heat. I wiped them down as best I could with paper towels then used a degreaser to get rid of the remaining oil. After that to maintain I wiped with a silicone cloth. Here are the results after painting the loft on the sole.

It's definitely not factory perfect, but these wedges are old and I love the imperfection of the new finish. I had six of them in total depending on what combo I'm playing. Always have the 48 in the bag and then some combo of the 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 after that. Here are all of them after they're done:

Last but not least, they all got the True Temper Tour Issue Black Onyx shafts and Iomic Evolution 2.3 grips. Here is the 54 degree at address:

I don't expect the finish to last too terribly in the striking area or on the sole, but I love how they look. Hope y'all enjoy.

DWCobraJR · December 8, 2017

Great handy work! If I wasn’t totally convinced I would burn down my place, I would try it myself! So impressed with some of the diy refinishes people are doing on wedges and putters these days.