Stock finish: What would you finish a laminate with?

N

Nathan

New member
I have a cheap laminate 10/22 stock. I’m half tempted to prime and paint gloss yellow!

But seriously, I’d like a stained finish I believe that is fairly glossy and durably. Gun will be used for benchrest and PRS type shooting.

What would you finish with to give it a hard outer layer and a bold color underneath?

Can I use a yellow or blue stain and top coat with a clear coat?
 
Minwax Wiping Poly. Comes in Satin or Gloss. It is as good a polyurethane finish for stocks, particularly laminates, as is available. I buy it at Lowes. My first can lasted 10 years.
 
It is a laminate with no color. I think it is this stock.

STOCK LINK

The stock is a pretty ugly laminate. I’m hoping to add some color and durability somehow. Any tips?
 
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Stain or dye it to whatever color you want, then coat it with polyurethane.

Laminates respond well to actual dyes, and I often use leather dye in an alcohol/water base, or for darker colors a solvent or "spirit" base.
These leather dyes can be thinned and mixed to get other colors.

Once colored, thin the poly well for good penetration for the first coat.
Then thin enough to give good brushing or spraying for later coats.
I have done stocks with a cheap airbrush.

For the poly you can choose Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Flat.

Buy the dye from Springfield Leather Co, or even from Tandy. Feibing's is a good brand, but is limited in the colors available.
Angelus is alcohol base and comes in many colors.
 
I'm with Clemson on the Wiping Poly for the laminate, an oil finish will work but might be more hassle than you'd like.
As to coloring, first, wipe the stock with straight mineral spirits to get an idea of what it will look like with minimal staining. The laminates will take the stain or dye differently depending on their orientation, etc. When you decide on stain or dye, follow the instructions and do some learning on the web as well.
If you want the 'Hot Rod' look, you can use automotive type finishes over a well sealed base, but that's a different can of worms.
I don't have a lot of experience with laminate stocks and have never finished a Boyd's.
Good luck.
 
Well, I think I’m going to try what Dfariswheel explains. After some research, I think I want the die look and it is said to be a bit easier to get an even finish with. Worth a try. Then I will finish with the Helmsman Spar Urethane semi gloss. I’ve looked at gloss and that is too much, I think.

We’ll see. Even if this is a disaster, it will be done!
 
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