Gunstock Finishing

[RobinR]

I have watched the video by Jim Kibler and I like his method for finishing a gunstock. I am wondering about other methods that are used. Thanks

 

[Bob McBride]

Do you mean the one where he finished a Maple stock with Aqua Fortis and finished with Tried and True? AF Is the best way to do Maple IMO. Aniline dyes, or Laurel Mountain Forge stock dyes can be used in conjunction with AF, as can Tannins. Lots of choices on finish. Chamber’s finishing oil is great. Some folks use Laurel Mountain Forge Permalyn. Lots and lots of choices.

 

[RobinR]

Yes I am referring to the Maple stock Jim. Just wondering how others may finish their stocks.

 

[Dale Lilly]

I like simple; that said I like Track of the Wolf "Old Original" rubbed really well. But then after several coats, being sure stock is well sealed and a shine is started, I let it dry a couple of days or more. Then I hand rub True Oil coats until I am satisfied. Each product applied according to seller's instructions. I like the finished effect quite well. Polecat

 

[tenngun]

I like LM stain and Tracks old origanal oil.
No doubt AF is the best, but I have never had good success with it.

 

[RobinR]

tenngun,

Thanks for the photos. That is exactly the finish I am striving for!

 

[Dale Lilly]

Great pictures Tenngun. I like Aqua Fortis for my knife handles when I use maple or other hard, figured wood. I am afraid of burning a stock because I can be careless. Polecat

 

[Vaino]

To begin w/, I'm not a fan of excessively curly maple....so don't use anything to exaggerate the curl. After a final sanding w/ 220 grit paper, the stock is "whiskered" w/ the same grit.

The alcohol stains are applied {usually start w/ an orange toner } and then a dark reddish brown alcohol stain. When dry, 0000 steel wool then removes the unabsorbed stain and smooths the stock nicely. Next comes a thorough vacuuming.

2 wipe on/wipe off coats of LMF sealer are applied w/ a 10 min soak in time and when the 2nd coat is dry, the stock is rubbed w/ 0000 steel wool to remove any surface LMF sealer. 2 very sparse coats of Wahkon Bay Trucoat are then applied w/ the fingers and when the 2nd coat has dried, the finish is a little bit shiny.....but shortly becomes dull. A buffing w/ a fluffy towel brings out some sheen. Total time including staining to final finish is 36 hrs. The finish looks like there isn't any finish on the wood.....Fred

 

[Buckskinn]

I am no where near most of the builders here so I love exaggerated curl, because it detracts from my shortcomings... I use ferric nitrate solution and Chambers Stock Finish.

 

[Dale Lilly]

I am no where near most of the builders here so I love exaggerated curl, because it detracts from my shortcomings... I use ferric nitrate solution and Chambers Stock Finish.View attachment 41576

If that's 'no where near as good' then I'm klutz for sure. Polecat

 

[hanshi]

I like lots of curl, too, Buckskinn. But I gotta admit a plain stock on a well made rifle satisfies me aesthetically as well.
Two examples of nice curl.

Nice example of a plain stock on a much used rifle.