Can you apply polyurethane finish on laminate stock?

[Wallabing]

I want my wood stock on my marlin 925 to have a gloss like finish, but I was wondering if you could apply the finish directly on the laminate wood, or would I have to sand the whole stock down first with sandpaper?

 

[Scorch]

If you are talking about refinishing a factory stock, strip the stock first, then sand, then apply the polyurethane finish.

 

[mapsjanhere]

Unless you know what the current finish is and it's compatible with what you plan on putting down, follow Scorch's advise and strip it down to the bare wood first. The solvents in your urethane will otherwise dissolve what's on it now and that will not give you that glossy finish you're looking for.

 

[Pahoo]

Would echo what mapsjanhere and Scorch have posted and for the same reasons. I refinished a Marlin-60 last year, for the same reason you posted. Whatever you plan to put back on, will be far better than the Laquor finish on these. If your project is worth your time, then it's worth your time to do it right. Another example is the finish on the "new" Remington Express shotguns which is horrific and I will be refinishing two of these, this year. There is no question in my mind that I will strip and sand as part of the process.



Be Safe !!!