Mix 50% marine spar varnish and 50# thinner. After sanding and smoothing with the finest sandpaper (usually 400/600). Raise the grain with a damp clean cloth. Steel wool with fine steel wool when dry. Repeat at least 4 times. Apply liberal coat of thinned varnish. (Make sure to seal the inside of the stock also) Let dry.
Full Answer
What is the best finish for a gun stock?
There are no dark and mysterious secret methods known only to a select gray-headed few. Another of the old, often touted finishes is known as "French polish," which at one time was used widely on fine furniture, then adapted to gun stocks. Shellac, a waterproof material, was used as the basic material in French polish.
What is the best varnish to use to seal a stock?
If you want a faster finish, mix two parts varnish to one part of boiled linseed oil, add a bit of thinner and rub it into the stock in clean, even and long strokes. Spar varnish is one of the old favorite sealers and is still a good choice if it is cut thin with turpentine and brushed thoroughly into the wood.
Is there a secret way to Polish a gun stock?
There are no dark and mysterious secret methods known only to a select gray-headed few. Another of the old, often touted finishes is known as "French polish," which at one time was used widely on fine furniture, then adapted to gun stocks.
Does refinishing a stock increase the value of the gun?
Keep in mind refinishing a stock can definitely increase the “perceived value” and even street value of any firearm, simply because it looks so much better. I’m not referring to the collectability value of the firearm here, only to what others may be willing to pay for your gun should you want to sell it.
What is the best finish to put on a gun stock?
The best finish to put on a gun stock is an oil finish. It is easy to apply, durable and can be used on finished and unfinished wood. Oil finish is also water-proof, prevents UV light from damaging the wood, and can last for several years.
Can you varnish a gun stock?
0:225:49Gunsmithing - Stock Finishing with Bar Top Varnish Presented by Larry ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a very attractive finish. But bar top finish as a filler is more durable the bar or tabletopMoreIt's a very attractive finish. But bar top finish as a filler is more durable the bar or tabletop varnish will give the stock a very hard and moisture repellant surface when used to fill the grain.
Should you wax a gun stock?
0:143:22How to Use Wax to Protect Your Firearms Presented by ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDoes several things it cleans old oil and dirt from both wood and metal and it brightens up oldMoreDoes several things it cleans old oil and dirt from both wood and metal and it brightens up old finishes. The proper wax protects. The outside of a gun.
How long does boiled linseed oil take to dry gun stock?
Cover the entire stock with three to four coats, allowing each coat to dry overnight.
What do you seal gun stock with?
0:051:03How to Seal the Wood When Finishing a Gun Stock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is wood sealer. Apply it liberally and it will penetrate deeply into the wood. This is myMoreThis is wood sealer. Apply it liberally and it will penetrate deeply into the wood. This is my absolute. Favorite part of finishing because you can begin to see the real beauty in the wood.
What oil should I use on my gun stock?
Tru-Oil® Gun Stock Finish has been the professional's choice for gun stock finishing for more than 30 years. Its unique blend of linseed and other natural oils dries fast, resists water damage and will not cloud, yellow or crack with age.
Is beeswax good for gun stocks?
Reviving gun stock shine Instead buff the wood up with a spot of beeswax furniture polish (don't use synthetic spray polish) on a clean soft cloth. A very small amount of beeswax will do.
Should I oil my gun stock?
It is important to clean your shotgun after each use to remove any moisture, unburnt powder or dirt. Gun oil should be used sparingly as excess oil or cleaner can damage the stock.
What do you put on a wood gun stock?
0:399:20Stock Care & Storage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe would use I will recommend using a very very small amount of Bald linseed oil which.MoreWe would use I will recommend using a very very small amount of Bald linseed oil which.
Do you sand between coats of boiled linseed oil?
Boiled Linseed Oil Re-coating – Sanding Between Coats Use either a 400-600 grit sandpaper, a #0000 grade steel wool, or a grey scotch brite pad (grey pads are rated 400-600 grit). Follow this method for the next coat. Typically you would lay down three coats.
How many coats of linseed oil should I use?
three coatsTypically, three coats at 12 to 24 hour intervals are sufficient. When the last coat is completely dry, a light hand polishing can be done: This will enhance the satin finish and smooth the texture. Once it's done, plan for maintenance once a year or as needed (twice a year on floors).
Which is better raw or boiled linseed oil?
Once dry both oils will provide a similar level of nourishment and protection to the wood and they will both slightly darken and enhance the woods natural grain. But since regular Linseed Oil can take up to three days to dry, we always recommend using Boiled Linseed Oil when it comes to oiling all wooden surafces.
How long to wait to apply stock cross grain?
When the stock has been covered, wait about fifteen minutes, then with a rag soaked in thinner, rub the stock cross-grain. This will remove the surface coat, Stock hanging bracket is made from electrical conduit and affords a good handle for holding the stock, while the finish is being applied.
How long does it take for a stock to dry?
Follow this with a third coat, with the wind-sunshine treatment. This time, allow the stock to dry for a full twelve hours.
What is filler in wood?
Filler, as the name implies, is designed to fill these pores and in doing so, make the wood surface smooth and unbroken. Most fillers are composites of some holding agent and use fuller's earth as the actual filling substance. If you use one of these be sure it is designed for stock work and not general cabinet work.
What is the best material for French polish?
Shellac, a waterproof material, was used as the basic material in French polish. As shellac has a tendency to shrink and crack, boiled linseed oil was added to the shellac to prevent this and the serve as a lubricant when applying it to the stock.
How to make a cotton applicator?
The applicator is made by placing a thumbnail size wad of cotton inside of a piece of discarded women's nylon hose. Twist the hose around the cotton wad and make a working pad about the size of a marble. Dip the pad lightly in the shellac and let the cotton absorb only a couple of drops.
What happens if you store a tru oil bottle upside down?
If the bottle is stored upside down, this film will still appear, but when you turn the bottle right side up, the film will be on the bottom and only clear Tru-Oil will flow out of the bottle.
Can you use linseed oil on cotton pads?
The pad now is dipped ever so lightly in the linseed oil. Only one drop of linseed oil is needed and, if you wish, it can be applied to the cotton pad with a medicine dropper. Apply the soaked pad to the stock surface and work one spot at a time in a hard circular rubbing motion.
What is the slowest finish to remove?
Home-finishes, varnish, polyurethane , even shellac, and factory epoxy are common. Removal time and technique involved varies by the chemical nature of the finish and how strongly it’s bonded to the wood. Polyurethane seems to be the most common and can be the slowest to remove, depending on the manufacturer.
What does street value mean on a firearm?
The street value may mean something or nothing to you. As well, an extremely valuable firearm may be perceived of lesser value if modifications, including gunstock refinishing, are made to it. Really, it comes down to whether you want to focus on the collectible dollar value, or re-do the stock and get a look for your own personal enjoyment.
How long does it take for oil based finish to dry?
Sometimes up to 10, even more coats are needed to achieve deep, lustrous beauty. Drying time between coats is at least one day. Drying times also vary, depending on humidity.
Can you remove gun oil from wood?
Gun oil stains in wood: These are difficult to remove. Many can be removed completely, but not always. The severity and depth of the stain, type of oil that created it, and how long it’s been there are crucial factors. Some oil stain residue simply can’t be completely removed.
Does rubbing oil make wood grain pop?
In so doing, it reveals the true grain inherent in the wood. Rubbing oil penetrates, making the grain ‘pop!’. The penetrating oil also deepens contrast between light and dark wood fibers (grain), revealing the full beauty of the pattern. (And therein lies the ‘rub’ of hand-finishing.
Does refinishing a stock increase the value of a firearm?
Keep in mind refinishing a stock can definitely increase the “perceived value” and even street value of any firearm, simply because it looks so much better. I’m not referring to the collectability value of the firearm here, only to what others may be willing to pay for your gun should you want to sell it.
Mustang Gregg
I am going to finish some virgin laminated gunstocks (multi-colored ones) that are not walnut.
Charlie Whiskers
Use a water based polyurethane.It doesn't yellow.Any oil based product will.I'd suggest 3 coats with a light sanding between the 1st 2.I did made all my kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts in maple and wanted to keep the natural look.The water based will raise the grain,but a very light sanding between knocks the fuzz off and the 3rd coat gives it a hard finish..
Colorado Coffinmaker
Most anything is going to change the color of "natural" wood. What you have sounds like the ""new" color impregnated material. It is wood based but will still react to most finish products. All varnishes will yellow to an extent as will most poly finishes. Safest is clear acrylic. Water based is recommended.
Mustang Gregg
PS I may show up at a SASS shoot next spring with a red, white and blue '92!
Rooster Ron Wayne
I wont be Wronged , I wont be Insulted and I wont be laid a Hand on . I dont do these things to others and I require the same from them !
The Original Lumpy Gritz
Birchwood Casey's Tru-Oil. I've used it for 25 years....great stuff lots of thin coats.
