[dwsmithjr]

I bought one of the early Valors, "V8" so, I believe, 2008. I understand they changed the coating to a "treatment" in 2010 and beyond. I also read that there are some cleaning products that will damage the coating.

Question: Does this go for both the earlier as well as the later finish on the Valor?

I use Hoppes #9 solvent for the barrel, polymer safe Gun Scrubber and FP-10 for cleaning along with Rem Oil for just wiping down the outside. So far, I've never had any issue with any of those products damaging a gun or it's finish.

The guns I have have either been blued steel, Sig's Nitron finish, anodized aluminum, stainless steel or a coating used by Cummings Custom Refinishing called Cera-Hide. None of these finishes have ever been adversely affected by any cleaning products I've used.

Question: Do any of these products pose a potential problem for the early Valor finish?

Finally, I mostly use Brian Enos' Slide Glide for lubrication. Many people don't like using grease especially on tight 1911s, but especially with the "lite" version of Slide Glide, I've not had a problem except on occasion in the winter when it's well below freezing. On occasion I've used Hoppes #9 lubricating oil when lighter lube is required.

I'm open to using different products. I just want to make sure I don't damage the finish inadvertently.

Any suggestions for cleaning and lubing regimen? I would prefer not to have to use different products for different guns. There's too much a danger of mixing up products and I would have to spend more on more products.

The one product to which I'm probably most attached is the Slide Glide.