Stock ReFinishing

[Mosin Shooter]

OK, I've got the Dawn Power Dissolver (thanks Geo)
after i strip the stock does anyone have recommendations of what i should do to stain and oil. I have the refinishing process that StockDoc posted a LONGGGG time ago. I would like something smooth but not quite completely oiled over(shiny) like it came, kind of half way in between.

[jerry]

I'm still a firm believer in the casey Birchwood Tru-Oil system. If you don't want too much shine, knock it down accordingly at the last coat with the 0000 steel wool.

[Seabeescotty]

I totally agree with you, Jerry. There's nothing like birchwood Casey to put a glowing, handrubbed finish on a stock. Takes some elbow grease, but it's worth it! And for semi-gloss, the 4-ought is great. We must have had the same teacher!

[SwedeSteve]

I did a Savage M24 22/.410 that way and I love it!

[Geo M44]

Originally Posted by Mosin Shooter

OK, I've got the Dawn Power Dissolver (thanks Geo)
after i strip the stock does anyone have recommendations of what i should do to stain and oil. I have the refinishing process that StockDoc posted a LONGGGG time ago. I would like something smooth but not quite completely oiled over(shiny) like it came, kind of half way in between.

Keep in mind that it may take 2 or 3 applications of DPD. Just make sure that you rinse thoroughly, and let it dry for at least 24 hours. Even though it may look dry sooner, it may not be. You might even want to run a hair dryer over it if you live in a humid area.

I decided to use Red Mahogany stain and semi-gloss poly to keep it looking sort of original (but better). Then 0000 steel wool and a second coat of poly tomorrow.

Oil also turns out great, so it's a matter of preference.

Here is how it looked after stain:

[R5CYA]

that's nice, geo! wish i'd used a stain with a little more red.



i did this one with birchwood casey walnut stain and then about 5 coats of spray true-oil then the 00000 steel wool. with some 400 grit in between some of the coats to smooth it out. the dark spots at the buttstock and under/behind the reciever are from not getting all the cosmoline out. lesson learned! my son liked it shiney but i prefered the semi-gloss with the steel wool.

[Geo M44]

Wow, Very nice.

The main reasons for using Red Mahogony stain was that one of the memeber here suggested it and to help match/blend the handhold color which looks like dark mahogony. I had the same problem with the handhold color on my first M44 stock. I am now sold on this stain color.

Getting rid of all the cosmolene (specifically at the butt plate area) is the second lesson learned, and how I accidentally started using DPD. I figured if it could remove hard core burned grease from my barbeque it was worth a try. Stripped the cosmolene and the new and old finish in two passes... the rest is history.

[nathangdad]

Boiled Linseed Oil is a very tried and true waterproofer that will also let the natural wood come through which is often the best visual option. If you get a scratch just treat the scratch with more boilded linseed oil.

With some extremely fine steel wool and a number of applications you can have the wood extremely smooth surfaced.

[Mosin Shooter]

i intend on using Red Mahogany on my stock but Geo, I have an ex-sniper stock, its walnut, so do you know if that could change anything?

also my stock was spliced back together, just above the bottom butt plate screw there is a splice and it extends horizontally towards the action, try to dig up pictures of my rifle on an older post and you might see it.

My rifle has definatly seen action, so i got that to bragabout for awhile

EDIT:anything other than poly i can use(dont have a sprayer) StockDoc's refininshing recommended MinWax furniture polish for dark colors, but i says two coats maybe nessecary but i dont have any experience refinishing stock (im only 15)

[marion57]

Originally Posted by Mosin Shooter

i intend on using Red Mahogany on my stock but Geo, I have an ex-sniper stock, its walnut, so do you know if that could change anything?

also my stock was spliced back together, just above the bottom butt plate screw there is a splice and it extends horizontally towards the action, try to dig up pictures of my rifle on an older post and you might see it.

My rifle has definatly seen action, so i got that to bragabout for awhile

EDIT:anything other than poly i can use(dont have a sprayer) StockDoc's refininshing recommended MinWax furniture polish for dark colors, but i says two coats maybe nessecary but i dont have any experience refinishing stock (im only 15)

your age doesnt prohibit you from refinishing your stock !! first its not really considered a splice it was russians way to conserve wood by cuting blanks in a sraight line and adding the bottom piece.. second if its walnut i would make it look like walnut .. go to any paint store or hardware store that handles paint and finish's and get some ideas then go for it .. Its your rifle make yourself proud!!

[Mosin Shooter]

thanks Marion,

im probably gonna go the way of Red Mahogany finish and linseed oil

[Mosin Shooter]

OK its 9 over here in New York and i started working on my stock, i'll post pictures of it tommorow when i get a chance, only did the upper handguard and it looks good.

[Mosin Shooter]

OK, heres the moment youve all been waiting for, heres the pics of my stained Mosin

Im very happy, as the majority of the cartouches survived the sanding, just the ones burned into the finish were lost, so Im a happy fella.

Shes gettin Shellac'd tommorrow after I let 'er dry.

[andrew cochran]

I would use linseed oil. I refinished an old .22 that way and it looked real nice.

[Mosin Shooter]

Only problem cochran, I already bought the shellac.

[andrew cochran]

Well that ought to work!

[Big Tool]

Looks real nice. I think i may be coming down with mosinitis

[andrew cochran]

I have too!

[Mosin Shooter]

Good, then my diabolical plan is working........hahahaha(evil laugh)

[Shuak]

Real nice job Mosin Shooter. Did you use the red mahogany or did you go with another red?