How to Refinish a Gun Stock
- Disassemble the Gun. Because of the process involved, you can't refinish the wood while it's attached to metal. ...
- Remove the Old Finish. Use some kind of stripper or finish remover. Make sure you choose a product that matches your situation.
- Clean the Gun Stock. Once the waiting period is over, wash the finish remover off of the stock with mild soap and warm water.
- Remove Residual Oils. At this point, there may be some residual oil from cleaning and handling that has seeped through the finish and into the wood.
- Inspect the Wood. Inspect the wood for cracks or damage. Take steps to fix or repair any issues now. ...
- Sand Down the Wood. Put a little lemon oil or other natural oil on the wood to strengthen it. Once that has set in, begin sanding by hand.
- Stain the Stock. For many people, this is the fun part. Start by applying conditioner to the wood to prep it for the stain.
- Seal and Wax the Stock. Once the stain has set in and you've got a good color that you really like, seal it in with a quality gun stock ...
Full Answer
How to finish a gun stock with Tru-oil?
Refinishing a Gunstock with Tru-Oil for a High Gloss Finish
- Remove the old finish and strip your project back to bare wood. I use Sunnyside Corporation’s stripping solution. ...
- Sand the gunstock free of scratches ending in 600-grit. To be perfectly clear, use rough grit paper if you’re getting rid of scratches. ...
- Take a t-shirt, cut it up. ...
- Use the lint-free strips to dab on Tru-Oil and rub into the wood. ...
How to make your first gun purchase a good one?
On the Fence About Buying Your First Gun?
- Safety Concerns. The largest concern most people have with owning guns is safety. This is completely understandable. ...
- The Four Universal Rules Of Gun Safety. All guns are always loaded, even when they are not. ...
- Storing your Firearms. This is a matter of personal choice and much debate. I personally store my home defense gun loaded with the safety on.
What is the best aftermarket gun finish?
- Nitride is black and shiny. And is easier to clean.
- While Nickel Boron (NiB) is silver and shiny. And easier to clean.
- And more exotic stuff like Titanium Nitride (TiN) is gold and pretty. And easier to clean.
What is the best finish for a carry gun?
You don’t want a handgun you can’t trust to go bang every time you pull the trigger, or one that will wear out after only a few trips to the range. And while smaller guns chambered for rounds like the .380 ACP are popular for concealed carry, serious defensive handguns start with a +P capable .38 Special revolver or a 9mm semi-automatic.
What's 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 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.
Can you refinish a gun stock?
0:5715:45How to Refinish a Rifle Stock - woodworkweb - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this gun will be completely stripped and we will refinish it completely so that looks almost asMoreAnd this gun will be completely stripped and we will refinish it completely so that looks almost as though it came out of the factory. That what I'm working with today is a single piece of stock.
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.
Is linseed oil good for gun stocks?
Boiled linseed oil is more often used on bare wood and is popular for finishing gun stocks, as the process of heating it decreases its drying time. When hand rubbed into wood, it creates a durable weatherproof seal and the heat produced from the friction of rubbing produces a deep, polished finish.
Is linseed oil better than tung oil?
Tung oil creates a harder, more durable finish than linseed oil. Tung oil is more water-resistant than linseed oil. Raw linseed oil takes significantly longer to cure than pure tung oil. Tung oil is generally more expensive than linseed oil.
What type of oil is used on gun stocks?
0:168:45Maintaining A Hand Rubbed Oil Finish Gun Stock: Caesar Guerini shotgunsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it's kind of two general types of finishes available for gunstocks there's oil-based finishes andMoreSo it's kind of two general types of finishes available for gunstocks there's oil-based finishes and there's polyurethane. Or epoxy type finishes oil finishes are a very traditional method. And they'
What is Tru Oil finish?
Tru-Oil is a polymerized oil, which is a fancy term for an oil that has been cooked to cross link the molecules and help it dry faster when exposed to air. The trick to helping that drying process is to apply very thin coats.
Can you stain gun stock?
2 If the stock is relatively scratch-free, give it a gentle sanding with 120-grit, 180-grit, and finally 280-grit paper and polish with extrafine steel wool. Wipe with a tack cloth and go right to staining or applying Tru-Oil® Gun Stock Finish.
Can you use wood filler on a gun stock?
Basically, any thing be it a gun stock or furniture will have a similar procedure. You cut out / flatten the bad area, then glue, then shape it with new wood. It works on chips, holes, or if you had to cut out a rotten piece of something old. Don't use wood filler to repair chips!
How many coats of Tru oil are on a gun stock?
Then just oil-dry-buff until you get your desired finish. As little as two coats can make a durable glossy finish, but I like to take it out to 4-6 or even 8 for a deep luster.
How to finish a gun stock?
Remove a Dent. The key is steam. Take a regular iron and set it on high. Grab an old T-shirt, washcloth, or a couple of .30-caliber-size cotton cleaning patches and dampen them.
How to fix scratches on a gun stock?
Just rub the stick across the scratch and work it in with a soft cloth. 3. Restore Faded Wood. Once you’ve steamed and sanded a stock, the wood can appear faded and worn.
How to remove rust from a gun?
To remove an unwanted bloom of rust on a gun, dab some gun oil on the afflicted area and work it over with a piece of No. 0000 steel wool. This extra-fine grade of steel wool won’t scratch or mar the metal on even fine guns. Once you’ve removed the rust, wipe the metal with a cloth to remove any small bits of the steel wool that may have come loose, and then apply a drop or two of gun oil for protection against future corrosion.
What happens when you sand a gun stock?
Once you’ve steamed and sanded a stock, the wood can appear faded and worn. This can happen when the stock is exposed to the elements as well, particularly water. Brownell’s Stock Rubbing Compound is to your gun what car wax is to your truck. Rub in this mildly abrasive compound, and as you buff it off, it will restore luster and protection to your stock.
How to fix a gouge in wood?
The steam will raise the wood. Repeat until flush. With fine sandpaper (600- or 800-grit), knock down any raised grain or high spots. 2. Fix a Gouge. Now you’ve done it. You banged your stock against a rock and have left an unsightly gouge. Start by following the steps to steam out a dent.
How long does it take for oil to dry on stock?
Before the oil sets up, which takes about 10 minutes, wipe it down with a soft cloth. Let dry for 24 hours, and repeat as necessary to bring the color back to where you want it. 5. Protect Your Stock.
Can you touch up a gun stock?
Touching up a gun stock isn' t as challenging as you might think. Jeff Wilson. Touching up wooden stocks doesn’t have to be intimidating, and you certainly don’t need a gunsmith to handle it. Here are a few tips to get you started with the easier fixes. Yes, it can be tedious, but with the best gun stock finish you’ll make your gun everything it ...
How to clean a gun stock?
Clean the Gun Stock. Once the waiting period is over, wash the finish remover off of the stock with mild soap and warm water. If needed, you can use a rough sponge or steel wool to remove the finish along with any grit and grime remaining. After that, rinse the wood thoroughly and wipe it down.
What is the selling point of a wooden stock gun?
One of the biggest selling points for wooden stock guns is their timeless beauty. And often, these guns are handed down over time as family heirlooms so successive generations can enjoy their beauty. But as time wears on, the wood on these guns can lose its luster. Whether you're dealing with a family heirloom, a gun you've had for a long time, ...
How to clean wood after heat?
After applying the heat, use the degreaser and give the wood a good scrub. You can alternate and repeat the heat and degreasing as many times as necessary until you're satisfied the wood is clean and oil-free. 5. Inspect the Wood. Inspect the wood for cracks or damage. Take steps to fix or repair any issues now.
How to get sawdust off wood?
7. Stain the Stock. For many people, this is the fun part. Start by applying conditioner to the wood to prep it for the stain. Then, with a cheesecloth or your preferred application method, apply the stain you've picked.
How to refinish a gun?
Because of the process involved, you can't refinish the wood while it's attached to metal. Start by removing the wooden pieces from the rest of the gun. Usually you do this the same way you would when cleaning the gun. 2.
How to sand wood with lemon oil?
Put a little lemon oil or other natural oil on the wood to strengthen it. Once that has set in, begin sanding by hand. Start with the smallest number grits first and work up to larger numbers. There's typically no need to go beyond around 400 grit size.
How to fix cracks in wood?
Inspect the Wood. Inspect the wood for cracks or damage. Take steps to fix or repair any issues now. Most cracks or other damage can be fixed with a little sawdust and epoxy or wood sealant, so feel free to attempt those at your own discretion. As long as there is no structural damage, you can move on to the next step.
How to remove scratches from wood stock?
Sanding with the grain, remove all rough wood and blemishes in your stock. Repeat this process with the 150 grit removing the 120 grit scratch pattern. Again, repeat this process with the 180 grit removing the 150 grit scratch pattern.
How to hang a stock with buttplate?
If your stock has a buttplate, leave attached and you can finish the plate along with the rest of the stock. Using a piece of wire, hang your stock in a dust free area, where the center of the stock is even with your shoulders, or a height that insures you can easily spray all areas of the stock.
How to remove woodfill from stock?
With a piece of burlap or a coarse rag, remove the woodfill from the stock in a cross grain motion. Insure there is no woodfill left on the surface, or in the inletting. Allow 24 hours to dry. Using a soft brush, clear all the dust from the inletting area. Using the tack cloth, wipe debris from the stock.
How long does it take for wood stock to dry?
Allow stock to dry for 12 hours. Using the 320 grit sandpaper, sand stock to a smooth finish. If you discover open pores in the wood, repeat step 9 and 10. Using a soft brush, clear all the dust from the inletting area. Using the tack cloth, wipe debris from the stock.
How to hang a stock in a dust free area?
Using a piece of wire, hang your stock in a dust free area, where the center of the stock is at shoulder level, or a height that insures you can easily spray all areas of the stock. Spray a coat of Polyurethane Satin Finish. (First read directions on can.) Allow stock to dry for 30 minutes. Repeat step 11.
How to get rid of dark wood stain?
(Note when you are finished with the rags, soak in water, and dispose of in outside container.) In a circular motion, apply a coat of Woodfill.
How long does it take for a finish coat to dry?
Allow 15 to 20 minutes for finish to soak into material, and repeat step 6. Allow stock to dry for 12 hours. Repeat step 6, and while stock is still wet, ...
How to remove finish from a gun?
The alternate method to remove your gun’s finish - and one that has become much more popular in recent years - is to use some form of chemical stripper. This method is much faster than using sandpaper, as it will typically remove finish down to the bare wood in just one application.
How to get rid of dents on wood?
Hand sanding is the most common option, as it’s relatively simple and effective, and it allows the most control over the process. You can follow the grain of the wood, work on dents and dings, and decide how much or little of the finish is removed. Start with a fine grit and work your way up to a coarser grit as needed.
How to get a dent out of wood?
Using the iron in a circular motion, press lightly to apply steam and heat liberally to the dent. Check your progress regularly to avoid overheating the towel or burning the wood. After a few minutes, the dent should be lifted out and the wood will look like new.
Can scratching be filled in with wood filler?
Minor scratches can be filled in with wood filler. On higher end stocks you may want to use specialized scratch-filling materials, which chemically bond to the wood and blend colors to match the grain perfectly, leaving no trace of the scratch. Dents and dings can also be repaired during this step.
Do long guns have wooden stock?
One thing that nearly every shooter will encounter at some point in their shooting career is the need to recondition or restore a wooden stock on a long gun. Most long guns made before 1960 have a wooden stock by default. With use over time, wooden gun stocks can get to a point where the finish is dull and damaged.
Can you use a power sander to sand a gun?
If hand sanding sounds like a lot of work, you can also use a power sander. Power sanders aren’t as precise, however, so take that into account when determining the best way to sand your gun’s stock.
Can you apply a finish in multiple coats?
Apply the finish in multiple light coats for best results. Be sure to leave ample time to dry between coats, which gives you an accurate idea of what your stock will look like at various stages of the coating process. You may decide to stop sooner or later than you initially planned.
How to sand a gun stock?
1 Following final tooling on a new gun stock, begin sanding with a medium to coarse paper. 120 is typically enough grit to remove material quickly without being too aggressive. Always sand with the grain whenever using an abrasive.
How to apply Tru Oil gun stock finish?
If darker than desired, sponge wood with clear water. If lighter than desired, add more stain. 4 Allow the Walnut Stain to dry overnight before applying Tru-Oil® Gun Stock Finish.
How to keep stock edges sharp?
To keep stock edges sharp and the wood’s surface ripple-free, always sand with a sanding block. The block will prevent the abrasive from “digging in” on soft spots in the grain. And remember to sand AROUND checkering to keep the checkered peaks crisp. Keep checkering masked off until final application of oil.
How to apply Birchwood Casey gun stock sealer?
1 Apply Birchwood Casey Gun Stock Sealer and Filler generously and directly to wood with brush or a clean, lint-free cloth. Do not over brush. Let dry for 60 minutes or until thoroughly dry.
How to apply Tru Oil to a gun?
1 First, apply Tru-Oil Gun Stock Finish to the entire stock and allow it to penetrate the grain. Don’t rub it in, just let the wood absorb it. When the stock has soaked up all it can absorb, wipe away the excess and let dry for 24 hours ( Read Carmichel’s Tip below).
How to sand metal surfaces?
When sanding metal surfaces, wrap the paper around a stiff, at backer like a file. In addition to reducing hand fatigue, it will keep surfaces at and edges crisp. 4 Whatever you do, don’t try and rush metal preparation. Keep polishing until everything looks right.
How to control the color of walnut stain?
2 Walnut Stain is a concentrate solution; color intensity is easily controlled by adding water. Dilute with water before using to achieve a lighter color; or leave full strength for a darker color. It’s best to test color intensity on a scrap piece of wood. Generally 50/50 stain and water mix works for most situations.
How to inspect a gun for bullets?
Remove detachable magazines if possible. Pointing the gun in a safe direction, open the breach and inspect for a bullet in the chamber or anything sitting on deck. Remove the wooden stock from the barrel and action.
How to paint a rifle with steel wool?
Rest the rifle on a work bench or over an old towel and put on a pair of gloves. Apply approximately one tablespoon of paint thinner to the steel wool and rub the rifle down within circular motions. Add more paint thinner to the steel wool as needed .
What is a BLO in a rifle?
Linseed Oil —Nectar of the Gun Gods. Boiled Linseed oil (BLO) will bring new life to an old rifle while protecting the stock for years to come. While craftsmen like Heineke use a concoction of BLO and alkanet root that steeps for years, giving the BLO a pinkish hue, we will simply be using BLO.
How to get rid of BLO on a rifle?
Continue until the wood won’t accept any more and walk away. Allow the rifle to rest, occasionally readjusting its positioning to avoid BLO pooling up in certain areas.
Does Meateater support the rifle revolution?
MeatEater fully supports the rifle revolution, as you can see in our collaboration with Weatherby. That being said, hunters tend to be a nostalgic bunch. Geriatric shoulder mounts, honey holes that evoke sentimental hope, and historic rifles passed down the family tree for generations are staples within the hunting community.
How long does it take for gunstock to dry?
You will like this finish because it takes a relatively short duration to dry, usually between 2 to 6 hours, and it will give you one of the toughest surfaces out there. You will find this formula one of the easiest to use and most straightforward to apply.
Why is it important to maintain a gunstock?
Maintenance is critical if you want your gun or rifle to work correctly at all times. As the owner of a firearm, it is essential that you buy the Best Gunstock Finish as one of the ways to care for your rifle. Much as there are so many finishes for this purpose in the market, there are just a few that would give you the best result ...
What is the finish on a knife?
The finish is USDA approved for its lack of toxins, which makes it perfect for knife handles. This finish includes a degreasing agent that removes fingerprints, oil, gun powder residue, and a lot more. Feel free to use this formula over all your wooden surfaces from your gun and knife.
Can you use any color finish on a gunstock?
You cannot use a finish of any color on your gunstock, as it might spoil the whole project. If you are going to buy a finish to polish your gunstock, ensure that you go for a finish that resonates with your rifle and will add nothing but extra beauty and shine to your item. The Size/Amount of the Finish.
Do you have to go for a finish that is excess?
On the other side of the coin, you don ’t have to go for a finish that is excess for your project as it amounts to a potential waste of resources, especially if you have no large project to use the entire formula. In short, only buy what is enough for you. Budget.
Can you use a tactical matte finish on a nickel gun?
You can use it on the interior and exterior of the bore without having to worry about cases of toxins .
