I’ve been using Ballistol for years to clean muzzleloaders. Before I became aquatinted with it, I used hot soapy water like everyone else used to. It’s worked great for me until just recently. I just received a new fowler. After the first cleaning session I noticed that my hands were covered with the stain from the stock after rubbing it down with Ballistol. I’ve never had this happen before on any other muzzleloaders I’ve had. When I emailed the builder they said that Ballistol was never intended for use with traditional gun stocks…. They said that it is only ok to use on poly based finishes. I’ve used it before on other flintlocks they’ve built and never had a problem. Anyone out there ever had this problem?
Help with Ballistol
- Thread starter Nobody85
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woodsnwater
40 Cal
What finish was used on the fowler?
I don’t know. She said it was a traditional finish. It was made by TVM, so whatever they use. I’ve used it on other builds of theirs and never had a problem. I just read on Ballistols material handling sheet that caution should be used on antique furniture as it may degrade the finish. I really like using Ballistol mixed with water to clean because after the water evaporates it leaves the oily residue that protects.
TDM
Cannon
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Yeah, I don't think the Ballistol is causing the problem.
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every so often some bureaucrat in the epa wants to make his/her mark on the world and forces a change in formulation of paints, stains, baby formula, whatever comes to their attention.
i have had to watch carefully the stain/finish i use for that reason.
i have a Pedersoli that any mineral spirit, alcohol, or even some lubes will shed its stain just as yours is doing.
try ballistol without water in an inconspicuous place. or wax it down with Rennaissance wax. carefully. even wax ma draw the stain.
best of luck
i have had to watch carefully the stain/finish i use for that reason.
i have a Pedersoli that any mineral spirit, alcohol, or even some lubes will shed its stain just as yours is doing.
try ballistol without water in an inconspicuous place. or wax it down with Rennaissance wax. carefully. even wax ma draw the stain.
best of luck
that stain on the gun isn't any good at all. maybe even water will mess iytup?
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I've always used Johnson's paste wax on my TVM stocks. Other than the first few cleanings I have never had any "color" on my cleaning cloth.
DuncNZ
54 Cal.
When Ballistol was invented most if not all Military gunstocks were finished with a linseed based oil of one type or another , Japan the exception , used Tung oil
Maybe they forgot to put a finish over the stain. Hic, bad day in the shop, Hic.
Robby
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If even water will take it off I think I would do a refinish job.
Imagine the mess you would have if your out in the woods and get caught in a shower.
A water soluble gun stock finish is an absurdity.
I have noticed that the stain on a couple of my “red” finished TVM’s did not seem to have a a top layer of a sealer/oil applied over “some” of the stain coloration. evidenced by a reddish coloration when wiped down with a lube-saturated cloth. It appeared a stain was applied “after” the sealer for darkening purposes. After rubbing the stock down with fine Scotch-Brite with a bit of TOTW Traditional Oil, and a thorough wipe down, I applied a couple of coats of the same oil, and allowed it to dry. This stopped the dye from leaching, and slightly lightened the reddish color to what was IMO, a more appealing color tone and a surface that was well protected from lubricants with no color leaching….
Sounds like a water based aniline dye and not a stain. Sweaty hands would rub it off. Needs a top coat of a water resistance finish.
