1. This is a multi point question.
    I have a Gillette long handle U4 coming in and I would like to know what the black handle is made of and is it possible to plate it with something else like black chrome? If not what can I use to touch up the paint with given that it is not just dirty. I suspect it just needs a good cleaning but Might need a bit more.

    Thanks.


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  2. should be aluminum. I know Delta Echo has refinished Black Beauties. If you wanna try yourself, I would try epoxy paint myself on a well cleaned and prepped surface. maybe look into using an etching primer before the paint. Mask it off and give it a few light almost dust coats til it's done. as long as it's not abused, dropped or scratched, it should last a long time. Probably let it cure for a couple of days before using it, I'm just cautious when I paint something. That's what I would do and I've been doing models and other paint projects for 45 years. just my idea. Always remember, light coats. I saw one done in dark blue, don't know what paint used, but it looked good, just another idea.
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  3. Didn't Gillette go to a resin handle on their later models? I read somewhere they did, but not sure what year it was.
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  4. I think the later model with the black base plate has a lot of plastic but the earlier one is more metal. They feels more solid anyway.


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  5. The 'Black Beauty' handles are a plastic material. Which kind of plastic, I couldn't tell you.
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  6. Earlier ones, aluminum with a black coating, possibly a resin of some kind (I always figured they used black gloss enamel). But the handle is aluminum for sure...I found out the hard way (a soak in degreaser).
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  7. Video of Capt. Murphy taking apart a Black Beauty. He mentions the handle is made out of aluminum.................
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  9. Anodized aluminum same as the black handle Superspeed .
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