Refinishing a wood gun stock can dramatically improve its appearance and feel, restoring its beauty and potentially enhancing its value. Whether you're dealing with minor scratches, significant wear, or simply want to change the finish, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. This isn't a quick task, but with patience and attention to detail, you can achieve professional-looking results.
Assessing Your Gun Stock
Before you begin, carefully examine your gun stock. Identify the type of wood (e.g., walnut, beech, birch) as this will influence your choice of finishes and techniques. Note the extent of the damage:
- Minor Scratches and Dings: These can often be addressed with light sanding and a fresh coat of finish.
- Significant Scratches and Gouges: Deeper damage may require wood filler and more extensive sanding.
- Checkering Damage: Damaged checkering requires careful repair, potentially involving specialized tools.
- Existing Finish: Determine the type of finish (oil, varnish, lacquer) to guide your stripping process.
Important Note: Always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and a respirator, throughout the entire process. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Stripping the Old Finish
Removing the old finish is crucial for a successful refinishing job. Several methods exist:
Chemical Strippers:
- Pros: Efficient for removing multiple layers of finish.
- Cons: Can be harsh on the wood and require careful handling; strong chemical odor.
Apply the stripper according to the manufacturer's instructions, allowing sufficient dwell time. Scrape away the softened finish using a plastic scraper, taking care not to gouge the wood. Neutralize the stripper with the recommended solution and thoroughly clean the stock with mineral spirits.
Mechanical Stripping:
- Pros: Environmentally friendly, avoids harsh chemicals.
- Cons: More labor-intensive and time-consuming.
This involves using sandpaper, progressively increasing the grit (starting with coarser grits and moving to finer ones), to gradually remove the old finish. This method requires patience but is gentler on the wood.
Repairing Damage
Once the old finish is removed, assess any damage to the wood:
Filling Gouges and Scratches:
Use a high-quality wood filler that closely matches the color of your stock. Apply sparingly, let it dry completely, and sand smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
Repairing Checkering:
Repairing damaged checkering is a specialized task often best left to professionals. However, minor repairs might be possible with careful use of wood filler and a sharp tool to recreate the checkering pattern.
Sanding the Stock
Sanding is crucial for creating a smooth, even surface for the new finish. Use progressively finer grits of sandpaper, starting with a coarser grit (e.g., 80-grit) to remove any significant imperfections and gradually moving to finer grits (e.g., 150-grit, 220-grit, and finally 320-grit or higher) for a perfectly smooth finish. Always sand with the grain of the wood.
Applying the New Finish
The choice of finish depends on your preferences and the desired level of protection:
Oil Finishes:
- Pros: Penetrates the wood, enhancing its natural beauty and providing a durable, water-resistant finish. Easy to repair.
- Cons: Requires multiple coats and regular maintenance.
Linseed oil, tung oil, and gunstock oil are popular choices. Apply thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Varnish or Lacquer Finishes:
- Pros: Provide a harder, more durable finish than oil.
- Cons: More difficult to repair; can look less natural.
Apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Multiple coats are usually needed for adequate protection.
Final Steps
Once the finish is completely dry, you can lightly buff the stock with a fine polishing compound to enhance its shine. Handle your refinished gun stock with care to avoid scratches and damage to the new finish.
Remember, refinishing a wood gun stock is a process that requires patience and skill. Take your time, follow these steps carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a beautifully restored firearm.
