Stock Refinishing, before and after Schaftol oil treatment

[The Kurgan]

...my CZ557 Lux 2 in 8x57 is now ready for spring hunting season, supplemented by my Henry lever in 45-70. Two applications that took 10-15 minutes each (24hrs to properly dry between coats). It doesn't get any easier than that. After each wet weather hunt it gets one quick coat. I have never experienced any damage on any of my oiled walnut stocks using this stuff.

Initial cleaning with Weiman Lemon
oil (48 hour dry time):


First coat of Schaftol Dark (24 hour dry time):


Second coat of Schaftol Dark (24 hour dry time):

 

[DGY]

Wow nice work!!

 

[joey.45]

Where did you purchase it?

 

[Wolfstrack]

Scherell's Schaftol ca be bought at Canadian Tire

 

[The Kurgan]

Make sure it's the made in Germany stuff.
I have a connection to a mom and pop gun store in Alberta if you want the number.

 

[thebuckhunter]

Nice!
-J

 

[lpel]

Thats very nice looking. So you don’t strip the existing finish? Just clean and apply over top of the existing?

 

[The Kurgan]

Thats very nice looking. So you don’t strip the existing finish? Just clean and apply over top of the existing?

Correct. The existing (original) fnish is an oil finish... but clearly "hungry" for more oil.

 

[icehunter121]

Now if a person used it on a sanded stock would it still produce the same sheen? Multiple coats?

 

[The Kurgan]

Yes. I would use 3 thin coats and then decide if you want more. After each application, wait an hour and then wipe off any excess that doesn't fully soak in. This occurs around coat two or three. Then you know the wood has absorbed all that it can and you're done. Emphasis on thin coats. Also, once it's drying, avoid the temptation to touch it. It's hard for some people, but patience pays off.

 

[MiG25]

Nice, welcome to the 8x57 Club.

 

[The Kurgan]

Nice, welcome to the 8x57 Club.

Thanks. I decided to branch out a bit from 7x57 and 308. Looking forward to some field experience with it. The factory Norma branded Oryx is very accurate and stout! It should prove to be very effective and hard hitting.

 

[icehunter121]

Yes. I would use 3 thin coats and then decide if you want more. After each application, wait an hour and then wipe off any excess that doesn't fully soak in. This occurs around coat two or three. Then you know the wood has absorbed all that it can and you're done. Emphasis on thin coats. Also, once it's drying, avoid the temptation to touch it. It's hard for some people, but patience pays off.

So is it actually a good waterproofer? Oil base with driers? Durable like say a tung oil? If it will leave a sheen like that I can see the ol credit card getting warm again..

 

[medvedqc]

very nicely done.

 

[The Kurgan]

Let's put it this way, it has always worked for me. No oil finish is bullet proof, but their strength is that you simply re-nourish the wood after each hunt. It takes ten minutes and it dries nicely. I will be careful to say it's "dummy-proof" as this forum never ceases to surprise me, but it's pretty close. Over time, you build-up an even more resilient base. I believe in traditional finishes for appearance, feel, ease of repair and easy upkeep. YMMV. I also use tung oil, but I find Schaftol easier to use and it dries better.

 

[icehunter121]

Let's put it this way, it has always worked for me. No oil finish is bullet proof, but their strength is that you simply re-nourish the wood after each hunt. It takes ten minutes and it dries nicely. I will be careful to say it's "dummy-proof" as this forum never ceases to surprise me, but it's pretty close. Over time, you build-up an even more resilient base. I believe in traditional finishes for appearance, feel, ease of repair and easy upkeep. YMMV. I also use tung oil, but I find product easier to use and it dries better.

Hmm..thanks. I may just have to wander off and order up a container or two and give it a try.

 

[Rob]

Some gun stores won't mail it.

Anyway, I found it locally and tried it...an amazing (and easy) finish.

 

[mikeyb]

Looks great! I have a similar regimen with tung oil on my wood stocks. Apply, let it soak in for a half hour, wipe excess, let dry. Do that a few times over a week and it polymerizes nicely.

Once a year or after a wet hunt, just rub a few drops back into the wood and let it dry. Good to go.

I like the effect this has on the wood and have a stock that can use some darkening - might give this a shot.

 

[medvedqc]

do you know if that will work on plywood stock (laminated for other readers)?

 

[The Kurgan]

Never tired laminate. Try an inconspicuous area inside the action area or barrel channel.