riflestock finishing problem
- Thread starter jerry4570
- Start date
Jerry I also have refinished firearm wood parts. As you probably already know from doing this before the end grain will always be darker. In your case it sounds like that particular piece of wood may have had more 'Spring' wood in it than you are used to seeing.
I know that when folks are cutting/shaping pieces of wood for really high end accents on firearms as well as other items .... efforts are made to have any exposed end grains on an item to be the 'Winter' wood.
The cells of the wood are ALL open on the end grain and will therefore accept any stain much more readily whether it is the softer "Spring" wood or the harder "Winter" wood.
Lowe's has some wood bleach that you could use very sparingly to lighten it up if it really bothers you.
Only other question I might have is: Doesn't a butt plate go over that area anyway?
I know that when folks are cutting/shaping pieces of wood for really high end accents on firearms as well as other items .... efforts are made to have any exposed end grains on an item to be the 'Winter' wood.
The cells of the wood are ALL open on the end grain and will therefore accept any stain much more readily whether it is the softer "Spring" wood or the harder "Winter" wood.
Lowe's has some wood bleach that you could use very sparingly to lighten it up if it really bothers you.
Only other question I might have is: Doesn't a butt plate go over that area anyway?
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MinWax makes a "Conditioner" or in older terms; Sealer that should be applied before the stain. This limits penetration as well as equal penetration on various densities of the wood. Sound like your stock was thirsty for this finish. There is nothing wrong with your choice of finishes if that is what you wanted. You may also have gotten into another hardwood other than Black Walnut. I'd say complete the project as it may turn out better than you espect.
Be Safe !!!!
Be Safe !!!!
Jerry, your stock looks to be birch and some of what you are seeing is old oil that has pentrated the wood in this wrist area. That would have had to be bleached out before finishing. Notice how irregular it is. On stocks like this, I always go very dark and really don't worry about it ... 
Be Safe !!!
Be Safe !!!
Seriously Jerry... that is so great you're doing that. BTW that is walnut.
I don't know what the time constraints are for this but.....
You may not want to hear this.... but I would really consider re-doing that dark part.
It's really not that hard. Use some extra fine(the finest grit available where you get it) steel wool and just rub it until it lightens up to the shade you like better. There is no need to do any more staining. Just lightly rub it 'til it lightens up.
Also, if you want to really put the finishing touch to this consider using some Johnson's Wax. It's the same stuff you would use on a hardwood floor. Just rub it on.... let it dry 10 or so minutes and shine it. You can do this several times if you like. Every time you apply a coat it will look a little better. Also, you can use it to dress up the barrel , breech, etc.
I have surprised myself a few times refurbishing an old rifle or shotgun.
Good luck with your project.
Your son is a very lucky young man to have a Dad that is going to this much trouble.
I commend you.
( Pahoo is likely correct about the birch)
I don't know what the time constraints are for this but.....
You may not want to hear this.... but I would really consider re-doing that dark part.
It's really not that hard. Use some extra fine(the finest grit available where you get it) steel wool and just rub it until it lightens up to the shade you like better. There is no need to do any more staining. Just lightly rub it 'til it lightens up.
Also, if you want to really put the finishing touch to this consider using some Johnson's Wax. It's the same stuff you would use on a hardwood floor. Just rub it on.... let it dry 10 or so minutes and shine it. You can do this several times if you like. Every time you apply a coat it will look a little better. Also, you can use it to dress up the barrel , breech, etc.
I have surprised myself a few times refurbishing an old rifle or shotgun.
Good luck with your project.
Your son is a very lucky young man to have a Dad that is going to this much trouble.
I commend you.
( Pahoo is likely correct about the birch)