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. 3 If you have some scratches or dents to deal with, use only as much grit as necessary.
Full Answer
How do you stain gun stock finish?
3 If your stock has really tight grain with small pores, wipe it down with a tack cloth and you’re ready for staining or applying Tru-Oil® Gun Stock Finish. 1 First, remove what’s left of the stock’s original finish with an appropriate stripper (available from any hardware store). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do you use Tru oil gun stock finish?
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).
Can You refinish a wooden gun stock?
With use over time, wooden gun stocks can get to a point where the finish is dull and damaged. While some aging is considered normal and can add to the aesthetic of the gun, it is not practical to allow the finish to deteriorate. At that point, you need to look into refinishing the stock.
How many coats of stain do you need for gun 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 finish. The general consensus here is that you'll want to apply at least a few coats, but it's best to apply it slowly and work it in with a cloth over your finger and then let it set before beginning the process over again.
Can you stain a 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.
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.
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.
Can you use Minwax on a gun stock?
0:287:46How To- MinWax Wipe on Poly Gun Stock application Part 4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just holding it by the stock. Get the polyurethane rubbed in and then i'm going to do a veryMoreAnd just holding it by the stock. Get the polyurethane rubbed in and then i'm going to do a very light coat i'm probably going to be putting.
What oil do you use for shotgun stocks?
boiled linseed oilStock Care To maintain the stock and forend of your shotgun(s) we recommend the following method using boiled linseed oil. This is easy to administer and will protect the stock with a certain level of water-resistance, as well as accentuate the grain.
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.
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 is Tru-oil Gun Stock Finish?
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.
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.
What is the best wood for gun stocks?
The most desired wood for gun stocks is walnut. However, there are other woods that can be used for gun stocks that are both beautiful and functional. There are a variety of companies that sell stocks for finishing, but stocks can also be hand-crafted from a commercial blank or from rough wood.
How much does it cost to refinish a gun stock?
Current Refinishing Pricing for most gunstocks: $385 – 445 for most stocks. The amount depends on variables such as type of wood; ease/difficulty of old finish removal; extent and location of dents, gouges, scratches; coats required, etc.
What does a $100 piano look like?
A $100 word having to do with light reflectance. Essentially, you want a little light reflectance from wood pores, otherwise, the wood surface looks like glossy “plastic”, that piano top look, an appearance that most observe as being what it is– cheap. Factory finishes almost always are sprayed on urethane (plasticized variations), and produce no beauty that chatoyance provides.
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.
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 is essential wood prep?
Essentials are: Thorough wood prep that prepares the wood for a new finish. Selection of finishing oils, hardeners, and drying components to maximize a handcrafted result. Determining the best application technique to achieve the desired finish and high-end outcome. Time.
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.
Can a void be filled?
Tiny voids (pores) can be mostly filled or left mostly unfilled, either being desirable or not, depending on taste. If these pores are allowed to remain mostly unfilled, the finished surface, though beautiful, has a rough texture that can be easily felt by the hand and seen by the eye.
What is Birchwood Casey Walnut Stain?
Birchwood Casey Walnut Stain is a water-based stain that will produce a clear, rich walnut color without grain clouding or smearing. 1 As a test to determine whether to stain or not, examine a portion of the wood while it is wet with water or alcohol.
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 Birchwood Casey Perma Blue?
1 Apply Birchwood Casey Perma Blue® Paste or Liquid Gun Blue with an applicator swab over the entire surface to be blued. Work as quickly as you can, but remember to be thorough. Rather than blueing the entire surface at one time, you may want to divide the work into 2 or 3 sections.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Can you use wood conditioner on scrap wood?
Before you apply any stain or finish, test it out first on a piece of scrap wood to make sure you like it. It’s a good idea to use a wood conditioner as a first coat, as this will remoisturize the wood correctly and help prevent dry rot under the finish.
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.
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.
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 a sanded sand from wood?
There are several methods for removing this, but the most common and effective move is to apply heat and some form of degreaser. You can use heat guns, bo iling water, or even a hair dryer to provide heat, although boiling water will also saturate the wood as it opens up the fibers.
Step 1: Step 1
The gun has no flat surfaces so I only used steel wool to remove the finish. Start by applying a liberal coating of solvent over a section of the gun stock. Work a section at a time. Wait a minute or so and test the area. I live in a warm climate so my wait time is short. Solvent works best in warm weather.
Step 2: Step 2
Sand the gunstock. I used various grades to smooth it down. The grain will sometimes raise up when you strip wood. Try not to over sand to preserve the natural patina. In this case though I had to use a power sander as I was having trouble removing oil stains from the side that the solvent didn't remove. Wipe it down with a dust cloth.
Step 3: Step 3
Time to apply the finish. Working from the butt of the gun stock up, I coated the wood with Rustoleum Clear finish. if possible, always brush with the grain. The finish dries quickly like the stain. After about an hour, I lightly sanded the stock with 1200 sandpaper to remove any dust particles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
Wood Preparation
Old Wood
- 1First, remove what’s left of the stock’s original finish with an appropriate stripper (available from any hardware store). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 2If 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...
Metal Preparation
- There’s nothing quite like the deep color of a beautifully blued firearm or the authentic patina of a browned muzzleloader. And nothing can help you achieve fawless metal finishing like Birchwood Casey metal finishes. 1 Removing old blueing and rust is a necessary step before reblueing or browning. First, after removing the stock/forearm and trigger assembly, clean all metal surfaces …
Blueing Application
- 1 Apply Birchwood Casey Perma Blue® Paste or Liquid Gun Bluewith an applicator swab over the entire surface to be blued. Work as quickly as you can, but remember to be thorough. Rather than blueing the entire surface at one time, you may want to divide the work into 2 or 3 sections. 2Allow the blueing to stand on the metal for 30-60 seconds.No longer. Then neutralize the chem…
Browning Application
- In the old days, gun metal browning was a slow-rust process that involved the proper combination of chemicals and atmospheric conditions to create a thin layer of corrosion on the metal’s surface. It was time- consuming and often an inconsistent endeavor. Today, browning is quick and easy thanks to Birchwood Casey Plum BrownTM Barrel Finish.The most important part of th…