Cleaning a sticky/gummy stock?

[Jeff, CA]

I just bought a used shotgun whose wood has a sticky, or gummy feel to it, like someone put pine tar on it. You can't see anything on the wood, but you will see some black residue under your fingernail if you scratch it.

Anyone know how to take this off? I don't know what kind of finish it is. It's a Rossi Overland (coach gun). Thanks.

 

[gk1]

There's quite a bit of stock refinishing stuff here .

One of the recommendations is to use oven cleaner.

Hope this helps!

G

 

[Art Eatman]

After removing the stock, heat it via sunlight inside a black garbage bag and wash it down with gasoline (or use oven cleaner)...Repeat as necessary, and then use whatever refinishing method takes your fancy.

Art

 

[Jeff, CA]

Is it possible to clean it up without having to refinish it? Or is the gumminess what's left of the old finish?

 

[Joe Portale]

Let me expand on what Art said. Pull all the metal off and spraythe wood with the oven cleaner. Get the cold working stuff. Wrap the mess with several turns of paper towel. Dampen (not soak) the paper twoels then put this in the black plastic bag and set in the sun. Let it stay for a couple of days. When you unwrap the package, a bunch of goop witll be on the paper towels. Wash down with denatured alcohol, paint thinner or other fast flashing solvent. Wash the stock with hot soapy water (I like Tide) and a good brush. Let dry for a few days. Do not getthe wood all wet and dry in the sun, you could crack the wood. Wetting the wood will probably raise the grain some. A fast pass with some 0000 steel wool or 220 sand paper will level everything out. Stain, oil or wax to your preference.

 

[prescott]

Try naphtha first. If that doesn't cut it, try lacquer thinner. After removing the sticky stuff, rub the wood down with either linseed oil or danish oil. No need to refinish.