Suggestions for refinishing a stock? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

hillbilly_hippo · 06-05-2008, 09:26 AM

Howdy all-

I've got the bug to refinish my SKS stock. I've decided that after doing all the prep work, I want to put on a slightly darker finish. I've been researching various finishes, but I'm curious if anyone on the board has a favorite finish to put on? I want to stray away from anything water-based, as the wood has been soaked in Cosmoline for the better part of 30 years, and I'm sure there will always be some residual left in the wood, which would repel water based stains. Thoughts? Before anyone asks, I am NOT sanding any numbers, cartouches etc off, just trying to put a better finish on.

tomfoolery · 06-05-2008, 09:33 AM

Sherwin Williams Black Walnut

I'm a project manager for a company that makes windows and we have a painter who stains them and that is the color that most appeals to me.

let me look for a sample.

http://www.fastfloors.com/media/cata...ack_Walnut.jpg

Brickboy240 · 06-05-2008, 09:57 AM

A water based wipe on type of stain in Black Walnut color would be nice.

Follow that with some slight rubbing with 0000 steel wool and a few hand rubbed coats of Tru Oil and you'll be amazed at how nice it looks.

Stay away from the overly glossy polyurethane stuff...it looks terrible on a military rifle. You can control the amount of gloss with Tru-Oil if you buff lightly with the steel wool afterwards and thin out the oil with mineral spirits and apply with an old t-shirt. Go slow and take your time...speed never produces a nice gun stock.

- brickboy240

hillbilly_hippo · 06-05-2008, 10:45 AM

Thanks for the input thus far!

Bowser4x4 · 06-05-2008, 12:42 PM

I have used Linseed Oil with good results. After cleaning/sanding the stock, I actually immerse it in the linseed oil and leave it there for a few days. {one of those cheap plastic wrapping paper holder works well} Take it out, wipe it down and let it dry for a week or so. Buff and it is ready to go. It can take a while to dry, but I did this with an old Winchester 88 .3085 over 20 years ago and it looks the same today as it did then.

Woof
Bowser

06-05-2008, 09:26 AM	#1
hillbilly_hippo XDTalk Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 95	Suggestions for refinishing a stock? Howdy all- I've got the bug to refinish my SKS stock. I've decided that after doing all the prep work, I want to put on a slightly darker finish. I've been researching various finishes, but I'm curious if anyone on the board has a favorite finish to put on? I want to stray away from anything water-based, as the wood has been soaked in Cosmoline for the better part of 30 years, and I'm sure there will always be some residual left in the wood, which would repel water based stains. Thoughts? Before anyone asks, I am NOT sanding any numbers, cartouches etc off, just trying to put a better finish on.

06-05-2008, 09:33 AM	#2
tomfoolery XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 4,565	Sherwin Williams Black Walnut I'm a project manager for a company that makes windows and we have a painter who stains them and that is the color that most appeals to me. let me look for a sample. http://www.fastfloors.com/media/cata...ack_Walnut.jpg __________________ "It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees." "One is none, two is one, and three is just a good time." Clint Smith, referring to the number of guns you carry daily.

06-05-2008, 09:57 AM	#3
Brickboy240 XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 9,264	A water based wipe on type of stain in Black Walnut color would be nice. Follow that with some slight rubbing with 0000 steel wool and a few hand rubbed coats of Tru Oil and you'll be amazed at how nice it looks. Stay away from the overly glossy polyurethane stuff...it looks terrible on a military rifle. You can control the amount of gloss with Tru-Oil if you buff lightly with the steel wool afterwards and thin out the oil with mineral spirits and apply with an old t-shirt. Go slow and take your time...speed never produces a nice gun stock. - brickboy240 __________________ The top 25% of wage earners in America pay 86% of all federal income taxes collected. (according to 2007 IRS website data) Es mejor morir a pie que vivir arrodillado Volvo...the Swedish Brick!

06-05-2008, 12:42 PM	#5
Bowser4x4 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 168	I have used Linseed Oil with good results. After cleaning/sanding the stock, I actually immerse it in the linseed oil and leave it there for a few days. {one of those cheap plastic wrapping paper holder works well} Take it out, wipe it down and let it dry for a week or so. Buff and it is ready to go. It can take a while to dry, but I did this with an old Winchester 88 .3085 over 20 years ago and it looks the same today as it did then. Woof Bowser __________________ The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him. -Sun Tzu Armory Specifications & Inventory: TOP SECRET

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06-05-2008, 10:45 AM	#4
hillbilly_hippo XDTalk Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 95	Thanks for the input thus far!