Cleaning old wood stock without damaging finish.

C

candlejackstraw

New member
So I have an old winchester model 67, from the 1930's, one of the first few years they were produced. I'd like to clean the stock without removing the original finish. Afterwards I would like to apply some gun stock wax. I don't want to refinish the gun or affect the collectors value. What would you recommend to use to get the black oily grimy spots off of the stock? I was recommended pledge, laquer thinner and other chemicals.
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A lot of spray cleaners, such as 409, will clean any dirt from the finish. Just clean the cleaner off with a damp rag, wipe it dry, and wax it. There are some spray type furniture polishes, which have cleaners in them, that will work also.
 
Try "Restore"

Whenever I encounter a stock like yours, I initially wipe it down with Mineral Spirits on an old wash cloth. Then;

1) I apply a product that I started using for about the last six months. It's called "Restore" by Pledge and come in a 16oz. spray bottle. Just follow the directions on the bottle. The results may surprise you and you have not compromised your original finish but it's not permanent and you may have to reapply later ..... ;)

2) If I want to get into the surface to not only remove dug in dirt and such as well as "light" surface scratches. I us a combination of plastic polish and shoe paste wax like Kiwi. I go slow and easy and avoid over doing any sharp edges.

Good Luck and
Be Safe !!!
 
Wood doesn't do well with water, so I wouldn't use any water based cleaner. Mineral spirit or turpentine will be my choice. In fact I prefer denatured alcohol unless the original finish is shellac.

-TL
 
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