Refinishing a Gun Stock
- Disassemble the Firearm. There are many ways to do this and way too many different makes and models of firearms to try to explain how to exactly disassemble ...
- Lets Get Stripping! That's right, you gotta strip that stock of its old finish before you do anything else. First make sure to use proper safety gear!
- De-grease Your Stock. After stripping your stock, it still will have some old stain and grease trapped in its pores. ...
- Fixing Cracks! After the stock dried I could tell the stock had a good crack in it. ...
- Sanding! After the stock is dry and cracks are sealed I use a little lemon oil to put back some natural oils into the wood.
- Staining. Now the fun part! Pick out the stain you would like for your stock, I use water based stains and normally try to use two different kinds ...
- Sealing and Waxing
Should you refinish your gunstock?
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.
What do you use to clean your gun stock?
Dirty worn out gun stock 2. Sandpaper (150 grit - 400 grit) 3. Wood Stripper 4. Degreaser 5. Wood Stain 6. Tru Oil 7. Stock Wax 8. Cheesecloth 9. Tools 10. Safety gear (gloves, eye protection) 11. Time and elbow grease Disclaimer: be safe and use common sense.
Can You refinish a collectible gun?
Disclaimer: If the gun you’re considering for refinishing is a collectible, please be advised that any alteration to the originality of the firearm, including refinishing the stock, may decrease the street value of its potential “collectible” status. The street value may mean something or nothing to you.
How long does it take to finish a gunstock?
As a rule of thumb, I can usually complete the stock in about two to four weeks, dependent on the backlog. It’s also difficult to predict exact return time because the way each individual gunstock receives finish, along with humidity conditions, make precise time commitments difficult.
What is laminate stock?
Laminate stocks are layed up under heat and pressure to embed epoxy throughout the wood fibers. The wood is actually dyed as is the epoxy they use. If you strip with a chemical stripper make sure it isn't anything that would eat into the epoxy or you may run into issues.
How to seal steel wool?
Strip it with a non-petroleum based stripper like fast orange. If using a stain use a water based type. To seal it use exterior polyurethane but not with a brush or spray. Instead use very little on the tip of two fingers and rub it into the stock thoroughly [ less is more here], steel wool when dry,wipe clean with naptha the repeat the process 3-4 times.
Can you strip laminate with epoxy?
The wood is actually dyed as is the epoxy they use. If you strip with a chemical stripper make sure it isn't anything that would eat into the epoxy or you may run into issues. Also don't expect a standard stain to take real well, the exposed end grains would most likely take up more stain than the other areas and where the epoxy still fills the pores it may not take it up at all.
What finishes can be used on gunstock?
Finishes on gunstocks vary— and there are many! 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.
How long does it take to finish a gunstock?
As a rule of thumb, I can usually complete the stock in about two to four weeks, dependent on the backlog. It’s also difficult to predict exact return time because the way each individual gunstock receives finish, along with humidity conditions, make precise time commitments difficult.
What is satin sheen?
Sheen, defined as the degree of gloss, only has to do with a visual property, not touch — glossy sheen is really shiny; satin has a glowing shine to it, is softer in appearance, and possesses a lustrous patina. The usual idea in professional gunstock refinishing is to create this patina, making it lustrous, but without the noticeable high gloss that is a more plastic-like appearance. (Browning’s factory finishes utilize this high gloss.)
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.
How does wood absorb finishes?
Individual wood fibers within the same piece of wood absorb applied finishes differently. Some fibers act like sponges and quickly absorb, while others more repel absorbency. This creates small voids in the finish, which when viewed closely gives the wood its beautiful texture we so admire.
Is refinishing a firearm a collectible?
Disclaimer: If the gun you’re considering for refinishing is a collectible, please be advised that any alteration to the originality of the firearm, including refinishing the stock, may decrease the street value of its potential “collectible” status. 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.
Gunstock Refinishing and Customizing: What is it and Why is it Important?
Whether you’re a hunter, sport shooter, or just enjoy shooting at the range, the quality of your gunstock is of central importance to your precision, safety, and comfort. A fresh finish on your stock improves the optical quality of the overall gun, but – more importantly – it improves the experience of shooting.
Adding Aesthetic Value by Refinishing a Stock
Refinishing the stock is necessary from time to time, to maintain or enhance your stock’s aesthetic value, functionality, and resistance to natural elements, like moisture and dust. There are many techniques for finishing or refinishing gunstocks, which differ depending on your aesthetic preference.
How to finish laminated stock?
When finishing laminated stocks with clear-coat, you need to prepare the wood carefully, and build up quite a few thin layers one at a time. Begin by sanding, with progressively finer paper, all the way to 400 grit. Certain laminated stocks are so rough when they come from the stock-maker, that you may have to be very aggressive at first.
What is laminated wood stock?
Laminated wood stocks offer an excellent combination of price and performance, and they can be obtained in a myriad of styles to suit your discipline — hunting, benchrest, tactical, silhouette, or high power. Laminated stocks can be a little trickier to finish compared to a hardwood such as walnut, as laminates are often delivered in bright ...
What is clear coat for wood?
Automotive clear-coat products have become popular for finishing laminated wood stocks because they won’t alter the stock’s colors, and the clear-coat provides a durable weather-resistant finish. Clear-coat is also easy to “touch up” and it fills pores better than some other alternatives.
How to get dust out of wood after sanding?
After sanding, use compressed air to blow out all dust from the pores of the wood. This is very important to avoid a “muddy” looking finish. If you don’t blow the dust out with air before spraying the clear it will migrate out as you apply the clear.
Can I use a filler to seal paint?
Some painters recommended using a filler to close the pores. That’s one technique, but the filler can detract from the clarity of the final finish. Rather than use a pore-filling sealer, I use a high solids or “build” clear for the initial applications.
Is laminated stock a hardwood?
Laminated stocks can be a little trickier to finish compared to a hardwood such as walnut, as laminates are often delivered in bright or highly contrasting colors. Traditional wood finishes can alter the colors. Also, filling the pores in laminated stocks is an issue.
