I must do this wrong

[Crow#21957]

Last 2 times I've tried Aquafortis my stocks just turned out real dark.They showed really nice curl when wetted but when I done the AQ they just went dark. I put a coat on and then used heat gun. Then repeated. Then permalyn. Didn't like the to dark.I th I nk I'm using to much heat not scorching though.

 

[tenngun]

I think aquafortus is the best stain, but like you I’ve never had good results with it. My have been black or green, I gave up so I can just drool on guns my betters have built

 

[Eterry]

Henry Ford's Model T was called by many the best car ever made. It put millions behind the wheel affordablely and was reliable for its day. Some even today say it's the safest and best car ever made.
But that's nostalgia talking and not common sense.

I feel the same way about Aqua Fortis. It was the best ever for a long time, used by many in the industry, and well respected and trusted for decades.

I think there will always be a place for it, but I think there are better products available.

 

[HSmithTX]

You need to rub the aquafortis back, lots of people use scotchbrite or sandpaper and some oil. Just putting it on and blushing it goes dark and that's it, I can understand why you don't like it.

 

[akroguy]

Yes, need to sand it back after blushing or straight grained areas will darken appreciably and somewhat negate the contrast of the stripes. The sanding dust is very acidic so wear a mask or have a breeze at your back.

 

[BJamesBeck]

Last 2 times I've tried Aquafortis my stocks just turned out real dark.They showed really nice curl when wetted but when I done the AQ they just went dark. I put a coat on and then used heat gun. Then repeated. Then permalyn. Didn't like the to dark.I th I nk I'm using to much heat not scorching though.

In my experience with Aquafortis, if it is that dark/black, you are heating too much. When I did it, I "toasted" it to a reddish brown. I also did two coats of it on a rifle I previously built. If the AF is green, then you haven't heated it enough. This previous rifle I built had two coats of AF, then heated to red/brown, then a coat of tannic acid, which was then rubbed back with fine scotch bright and I believe Murphy's oil soap. The tannic acid finish is DARK black and remains in the low areas when rubbed back.

 

[springfield art]

In my experience with Aquafortis, if it is that dark/black, you are heating too much. When I did it, I "toasted" it to a reddish brown. I also did two coats of it on a rifle I previously built. If the AF is green, then you haven't heated it enough. This previous rifle I built had two coats of AF, then heated to red/brown, then a coat of tannic acid, which was then rubbed back with fine scotch bright and I believe Murphy's oil soap. The tannic acid finish is DARK black and remains in the low areas when rubbed back.
View attachment 221073

Beautiful photo!

 

[BJamesBeck]

Beautiful photo!

Thank you!

I should also say, the AF I used was the kind that used to be sold by Jim Kibler. I believe he still sells it and it will likely be what I use on the rifle I am currently building.

 

[ZUG]

A lot depends on the type of maple your stock is grown from. Some maple reacts to AF in a manner that will turn very black with heat. Try rubbing back the AF finish with sandpaper/steel wool/or nylon scrub pad to lighted up the AF finish. This should tame that dark black color.