What's a good finish for gunstocks?
Easiest probably would be tru oil, but reading, it doesn't seem to be very weather resistant.
Any ideas? I bought a couple finishes. Helmsman spar urethane and varathane diamond wood finish satin.
From reading, some guys say that finish for wood flooring is a good finish?
G’day, I have refinished several stocks over the years, both hunting (Marlin, Mossberg 42) and military (Lee Enfield, P14, Mosin, Cooey 82).
Refinishing is a process and I find good pep work is the foundation. After prepping the wood surface, which is its own unique process, (I use only fine grade steel wool and stripping compound), I have used minwax stain to darken the wood if desired. I have used raw linseed oil and boiled linseed (BLO). The end result is the same, except BLO dries quicker. I apply several initial light coats using fine steel wool working it gently in, let it soak thoroughly and wipe off any residual. Once the surface is smooth I then apply light coats allowing it to soak thoroughly. You will tell as after absorbing the residual will still appear as wet. I do this until I achieve the initial lustre I desire, buffing with lightly dampened cloth between coats. After the initial lustre, I will then maintain this by applying a fresh light coat thereafter of BLO, let absorb and wipe off and buff. I do this once a day for a week, then once a month, if you desire, but at least annually. I have found the raw linseed/BLO finishes to be durable and easy to maintain once the initial finish has been done as if it gets scuffed just apply new oil to the area, soak in and buff, no need to re-strip, just ensure you wipe any excess from the metal as it will tend to solidify on the metal leading to a build up of goop. I got on to the linseed as I read that Lee Enfield No 4 stocks were immersed and soaked in vats of linseed oil for up to a week during manufacture.
As far as applying a wax, I have not as it would tend to seal the surface and if there was marring, you would need to strip the wax off to allow any new oil application to soak in.
Another reason I prefer the oils, is that it allows the natural grain to show. I just refinished a Mossberg 42M C stock, and the wood has turned out beautiful IMHO.
Good luck, hope this helps.
Cheers
