Best way to refinish a gun stock

[Waddy]

I've got a stock that I've made out of beech, a beech stock off an AA 510 & a Hatsan stock (no idea what the wood is) that I'm going to have a stab at doing this week, after reading up on it I've decided to use boiled linseed oil with a wax finish.

It'll take quite a while to let the oil soak in & dry in multiple layers but it should be worth it. Having bought a second hand 97 with a oiled & waxed finish it's incredible how much nicer it is to hold over a varnish finish.


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[ToniD]

I've got a stock that I've made out of beech, a beech stock off an AA 510 & a Hatsan stock (no idea what the wood is) that I'm going to have a stab at doing this week, after reading up on it I've decided to use boiled linseed oil with a wax finish.

It'll take quite a while to let the oil soak in & dry in multiple layers but it should be worth it. Having bought a second hand 97 with a oiled & waxed finish it's incredible how much nicer it is to hold over a varnish finish.
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I've been advised that Beech does not take an oiled finish well, it will go patchy and darken in areas. Try Tinted nitrocellulose guitar lacquer. I found Dartfords online, but if you have a guitar shop nearby you should get it there. Apply thin coats until you reach the colour you want. Then coat it with clear.

Toni

[Dornfelderliebe]

Before I checked with Craig p I refinished a beech stock with black wood dye and walnut oil. a little bit of oil still comes off the pistol grip when used but is reducing now a year later.
Craig will advise you that lacquer is best. He gave me a link to a Manchester guitar shop and there are some superb if slightly expensive lacquers there.
I shall buy the gloss black for my next rescue 'sporter and bemoan my inability to produce the dual colours they get with guitars.

Link to follow
https://manchesterguitartech.co.uk/shop/

[4end]

[QUOTE=Waddy;8292545]I've got a stock that I've made out of beech, a beech stock off an AA 510 & a Hatsan stock (no idea what the wood is) that I'm going to have a stab at doing this week, after reading up on it I've decided to use boiled linseed oil with a wax finish.

It'll take quite a while to let the oil soak in & dry in multiple layers but it should be worth it. Having bought a second hand 97 with a oiled & waxed finish it's incredible how much nicer it is to hold over a varnish finish.


If you have not used boiled linseed before then I suggest you use raw. If boiled is not absorbed before it dries you will be left with gummy deposit on the surface, especially in any chequering, which is an absolute pig to remove. Raw can be applied in flood coats that will eventually be absorbed by the wood, any that is not absorbed will remain fluid for many days. Find some artists grade linseed as it will dry quickly without gumming. Your 97 stock will just need the wax removing with a wax remover or meths and then treating with oil.