Putter Refinishing: Caswells 101

[zoltan231]

I know in the original post it said use the blackener at full strength, does this mean do not dilute it with water like it says to?

[smeech8000]

this may already be answered, but does this product work on Carbon?

It does, and in my experience it produces an extremely dark finish (much darker than it effects SS). Not any more durable, however, than a standard DIY Birchwood Casey job though.

 

 

I know in the original post it said use the blackener at full strength, does this mean do not dilute it with water like it says to?

Correct.

 

I typically dump it into a motor oil bottle with the neck cut off so that you can submerge an entire putter or wedge head into the solution and have it fully cover the hosel. When I pour the solution back into the bottle I do it slowly through a coffee filter to remove any debris that may have come off the head during the blackening process. I used to use a paper towel but that is TOO absorbent and will suck up too much of the juice.

 

I also recommend using latex gloves while working with this stuff... it's bad enough to smell it while you're working with it, you don't want it all over your hands for the subsequent week. :stink:

[zoltan231]

Thank you Smeech! I was wondering what i could pour it in to make it fit! Once its in do i take it out and steel wool it or do it while submerged?

[smeech8000]

I typically let it set in the solution for a minute or two, then remove to see how it has reacted. Use steel wool to LIGHTLY smooth out any imperfections/uneven spots, then replace it in the solution for another minute. Repeat until desired blackness has been achieved. Note that after paintfilling, you should seal the head either with Caswell's sealer product or another lubricant of some type; this protects against oxidation and will enhance the darkness of the finish.

 

Here is a thread I made awhile back which contains the instructions (thanks Deerslayer!) for this process. If you haven't seen any of Deerslayer's projects, I highly recommend you do a search as his results and quality of his documentation/pics are unmatched.. it's serious DIY putter porn.

[gotyacovered]

looks sweet fellas

[Racerx63]

Thanks for all of the tips! Looking forward to trying this on an Odyssey XG #1 putter I just bought. I have the liquid Caswell 370 on the way.

[odorless]

I like to heat the head up before applying the sealer. It dries almost instantly so you can get a lot of layers built up that get nice and hard. If it gets too hot it will light on fire and ger sooty in a good way to my eye. I also use motor oil (used is good!) the same way building up a thick coat using a rag. takes me about 45 minutes.