
Clear Coat Removal
Figured I would post this as information in case any others newer to kettlebell like myself were unaware. The handles on the 12-32kg competition bells often come painted with a clear coat to prevent rust during transit/storage and as a result will not hold chalk. There is a fix.
Painters tape around the bottom of the horns to protect the body and a layer or so of citristrip gel left on for 20-30 minutes removes the clear coat. Wipe off excess gel, scrub handle with the remaining gel with a scour pad to remove any stubborn clear coat, clean with alcohol and it’s done.
Now the handles actually hold chalk and my hands love it after the session today. Should have done this a while ago.
Edit: The correct method is to clean with odorless mineral spirits and then isopropyl to clear the oil left from the former. I did not do this but my handles feel great now so I don’t mind.