Re-finishing SKS stock

[FraserValley]

I have finished cleaning a nice 1954 Tula (my first), and with a combination of hot water, Brake Cleaner, Sonic Washer, and regular cleaning materials.

The stock was harder to clean, tried the "black bag & dashboard", "in the sun", "in a rag in a black bag, pour hot water on it", "hair dryer" ... until I gave up and used a regular heat gun on a low setting.

Now, the stock is pretty clear of cosmo, but needs re-finishing.

I want to go for a classic look with some red mahogany finish, but what can you recommend as steps in the process ? Specific materials / items for the process ?

 

[Ganderite]

Is it birch? Or a laminate? Laminate has some interesting options.

 

[FraserValley]

Is it birch? Or a laminate? Laminate has some interesting options.

Not laminate, it's the original wood from '54.

 

[Ganderite]

If it was me, I would give it a bit of water-based red stain and then finish with either a satin urethane or a tung oil rubbed to a satin finish.

But I am not a wood worker. others here have posted nice results.

 

[mad_mardigen]

The original finish is Shellac it comes off real easy with denatured alcohol. When I did my stock I re-shellacked it because if you mess up you can wipe it off with the alcohol

 

[FraserValley]

The original finish is lacker it comes off real easy with denatured alcohol. When I did my stock I re lackered it because if you mess up you can wipe it off with the alcohol

I think quite a bit came off when I used the Heat Gun to get the Cosmo out.

 

[1Gunner]

i use furniture stripper with steel wool and this leaves most of the old stain and fills in any scratches. Then you can oil it or varnish, I use a spray on varnish them wet sand 3000 grit to a mirror finish. Takes a lot of practice with the finial steps but the tung oil option is dead easy, almost foolproof.