Refinishing a gun stock can dramatically improve its appearance and feel, restoring its beauty and protecting the wood. Whether you're dealing with minor scratches or significant damage, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from preparation to final finishing. This isn't a quick project, but the results are well worth the time and effort.
Assessing Your Gun Stock and Choosing Your Approach
Before you begin, carefully inspect your gun stock. Determine the extent of the damage. Are you dealing with:
- Minor scratches and blemishes? A simple cleaning and re-oiling might suffice.
- Significant scratches, dents, or gouges? You may need to perform some wood repair before refinishing.
- A severely damaged or cracked stock? Professional repair might be necessary. This guide focuses on stocks in good-to-fair condition that can be improved with refinishing.
Knowing the condition of your stock will help you choose the right approach. Consider these factors:
- Type of wood: Different woods require different finishing techniques. Hardwoods like walnut are more durable and can handle more aggressive refinishing methods.
- Existing finish: Is it oil, varnish, or lacquer? This will determine the stripping method.
- Your skill level: Start with simpler methods if you're a beginner.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
The specific tools and materials will depend on the condition of your stock and the chosen finishing method. However, here’s a general list:
- Safety Glasses and Respirator: Essential for protecting your eyes and lungs from dust and chemicals.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from chemicals and solvents.
- Cleaning Supplies: Mild detergent, clean cloths, and a stiff brush.
- Scrapers: To remove old finish (plastic scrapers are good for delicate work).
- Sandpaper: Various grits (e.g., 120, 180, 220, 320, 400), for smoothing and preparing the wood. Use a sanding block for even pressure.
- Steel Wool: For fine smoothing between sanding stages.
- Wood Filler: To repair dents and gouges (choose a color that matches your stock).
- Solvent (e.g., mineral spirits): For cleaning and thinning finishes.
- Finish: Your choice of oil, varnish, or lacquer. Linseed oil is a popular and traditional choice for gun stocks.
- Brushes: High-quality brushes are essential for a smooth finish.
- Rags: Clean, lint-free rags for applying the finish.
- Clamps: Secure the stock during the refinishing process.
Step-by-Step Refinishing Process
This process assumes a moderate level of damage requiring stripping and refinishing.
1. Disassembly and Cleaning
Carefully disassemble your gun stock, removing any metal parts. Clean the wood thoroughly with a mild detergent and water, paying attention to nooks and crannies. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Stripping the Old Finish
Use the appropriate method to remove the old finish. Chemical strippers are effective but require careful handling due to their toxicity. Mechanical methods like scraping and sanding can be slower but gentler. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for any chemical strippers.
3. Wood Repair
Fill any dents or gouges with wood filler, allowing it to dry completely and then sanding it flush with the surrounding wood.
4. Sanding
Begin with coarser grit sandpaper (e.g., 120) and gradually progress to finer grits (e.g., 400). Sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches. Sand until the surface is smooth and even.
5. Applying the Finish
Apply your chosen finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Lightly sand between coats with very fine grit sandpaper (e.g., 600) or steel wool to smooth any imperfections.
6. Final Polishing
Once the finish is completely dry, use a very fine steel wool or polishing compound to achieve a smooth, polished finish.
7. Reassembly
Carefully reassemble your gun stock, ensuring all parts fit properly.
Choosing the Right Finish
The best finish for your gun stock depends on personal preference and the type of wood.
- Oil finishes (e.g., linseed oil): These provide a natural look and feel, are relatively easy to apply, and offer good protection. They require periodic reapplication.
- Varnish: Offers a harder, more durable finish than oil, but can be more difficult to apply evenly.
- Lacquer: Dries quickly and provides a durable finish, but it can be more challenging to repair if damaged.
Conclusion
Refinishing a gun stock is a rewarding project that can dramatically improve the look and feel of your firearm. Remember to take your time, follow safety precautions, and choose the right tools and materials for the job. With patience and attention to detail, you can restore your gun stock to its former glory. Always prioritize safety and proper handling of chemicals and tools throughout the process.
