Re-finishing Remington BDL Walnut Stock

[jarman66]

Hello Everyone,

I have some questions regarding the refinishing of a Walnut stock.

1) What's the best way to remove the polyeurothane finish? (Sanding or Paint/stain remover) What kind/brand if any?

2) How would you remove this (Poly/Stain) from the Checkered pattern without damaging it? (Procedure)

3) What are your thoughts on Glass Bedding the stock, should this be done prior to final finish/staining or oiling of the stock?

4) Should I free float the barrel prior to final finishing?

5) The Remington BDL has a Black/White cap at the forend of the stock and one on the bottom of the hand grip, how are these attached? Can they be removed before I start refinishing or do I just need to tape them up?



Your thoughts / suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

JR

 

[hockeysew]

DO NOT SAND IT!
You will lose delicate lines and kill the checkering.
Go to Lowes or wherever and get a product called EZ-Strip. It will cut the poly (Might take a couple of applications but it will do it). Make sure you remove any plastic accrouterments on the stock before you start-the stripper will eat it alive.
One of the best ways is to "paint" the stripper on and then cover it with poly sheeting. You dont want the stripper to evaporate. Give it time to work and then with some rubber gloves and a stiff, nylon bristle brush start scrubbing(BE SURE TO WEAR EYE PROTECTION). The finish should come up okay and rinse with mineral spirits. Repeat until there is no sign of the poly left. If it is tough to get out of the checkering be patient and only scrub with the lines of the checkering.
Don't use steel wool if you plan on using a waterbased stain! Use a Scotch-Brite pad and a flexible block to smooth it instead of sanding. If you dont have much experience doing this type of work it is easy to sand too much.

Do any stock removal before your final stain/finishing. Remember when you free float the barrel you dont have to remove too much material-just enough so a strip of paper will slide between the barrel and forearm for the entire length with no restricion.

As far as bedding the action- I would do it before you re-finish but after you have the rifle stripped. That way if you slobber some on the stock you dont take the risk of boogering up a fresh finish.
Take your time and mask off the entire stock except the places where the bedding compound will go. Be sure to clay any recesses on the action so it wont "Lock" to the stock and dont forget to use a release agent! After you have put on one coat of release agent put on a second. That way you wont miss anyplace(Dont ask me how I know).
I use regular Johnsons paste wax for release agent. Rub it on and then buff it when dry. You can do 3 or 4 coats and not worry about any building up as long as you buff it well.

Most of all- Dont get in a hurry and read the directions.
Good luck!