Stock Refinishing Question...

E

Edward429451

Moderator
Helping my buddy refinish his mod 60 22 stock. Stripped it, sanded it.

The tip of the forend, the heel of the pistol grip, and the lower part of of PG is still dark from previous stain(?). Not sure if its oil from handling soaked in or the way the grain is exposed from shaping or what but we're hesitant to hit it with a belt sander to get it blonde again for the new slightly lighter stain that we're going with. We don't want it to be blotchy, nor change the lines of the stock by too much sanding. Is there a way to get it blonde again without messing it up or over sanding so the new stain will be uniform all over?

TIA.
 
Shooters solutions

Shooters solutions makes a product that cleans the wood prior to refinishing. Can't remember the name, but their web address is www.shootersolutions.com. Check for the clean brite, I think is the name. It works for me when removing an old oil finish.
 
Sounds like

it was previously stained...When staining wood, the stain tends to be absorbed more deeply by the end grain (as you would see on forend tip and and heel of grip.) Get some paint stripper (I use Strypeeze) and use it on those areas...Use some steel wool to remove...Directions will tell you to rinse with water, to remove stains...You may have to do it a coupla times...Probably wouldn't hurt to do whole stock, to make sure you got any old finish/stain outa there...This will not hurt the wood, except for possibly raising the grain (which can be "knocked down", again with steel wool)...I've used it on numerous gunstocks, as well as a variety of antique furniture. It is caustic, so wear gloves!
 
You might want to stay away from the sandpaper if you can. Use fine steel wool. You can spray just about any degreaser on it and let it set in a hot place for a while. The heat will also bring out the goop. Clean and redo. There are sites you can go to that will take by the steps. Use a search engine.
 
It was previously stained. I did my 870 stock awhile back and didn't have this problem. I think I did use paint stripper. I'll advise my buddy. Thanks.
 
An 'old' trick is bleach mixed with water 50/50. I use it to lighten dark woods. If you EVER run across an SKS in Blonde furniture, I DID THAT. Just apply and let set. As wood dries out, the wood grain rises. Work it with a piece of steel wool or a fine scotchbrite pad. Repeat as necessary.

You can literally take a very dark piece of wood to very blonde fairly quickly. If you go too light, just restain and try again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top