Russian milsurp flacking finish!

rally guy

rally guy

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I was taking a closer look at some of my milsurplus, I notice that on 2 of my Russian (svt-40, m43 Mosin) the shalac is flacking. I was wondering if this is due to hight temperature or dryness ?

Also is there anything to do without refinishing the rifles? Has anybody encounterd such problem?
 
rally guy said:
I was taking a closer look at some of my milsurplus, I notice that on 2 of my Russian (svt-40, m43 Mosin) the shalac is flacking. I was wondering if this is due to hight temperature or dryness ?

Also is there anything to do without refinishing the rifles? Has anybody encounterd such problem?
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A mass produced, made by the millions, for the most part a disposable military infantry rifle is not standing up to the riggers of time, who could have seen that coming.
 
The finish is not nor was it ever shellac, contrary to popular belief. Although, shellac may have been an ingredient in the final varnish at different times. Primary finish is code name VKT a nitrocellulose laquer. Applied after the wood is dyed and oiled with boiled oil.

Current theory for flaking VKT is that it was expired by the time it was used or incorrectly applied/mixed. This was discussed recently.
 
bp2626 said:
The finish is not nor was it ever shellac, contrary to popular belief. Although, shellac may have been an ingredient in the final varnish at different times. Primary finish is code name VKT a nitrocellulose laquer. Applied after the wood is dyed and oiled with boiled oil.

Current theory for flaking VKT is that it was expired by the time it was used or incorrectly applied/mixed. This was discussed recently.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your informative post! In what tread was it discuss? As you may guess I Am not at all interested in refinishing those rifle, especially the m43(1943 experimental, gull size with folding bayonet) and also the svt with no stock repair so yeah I am not wanting to refinish them.
 
Bubba yoga mentioned methyl hydrate, French polishers us a mix of methyl hydrate to blend
Original finishes with the repairs, it was used on a balled up rag and very little was used and applied with very light swipes to move the lacquer oe shellac around, I stress how little they used and very light touch, I watched a few repairs and it took time but it kind of melted the finish and basically redistributed it around the surface! Not sure if this will work for yours, I am going to try it this winter on one of my Mosins that have some flaking!
 
bobdbldr said:
Bubba yoga mentioned methyl hydrate, French polishers us a mix of methyl hydrate to blend
Original finishes with the repairs, it was used on a balled up rag and very little was used and applied with very light swipes to move the lacquer oe shellac around, I stress how little they used and very light touch, I watched a few repairs and it took time but it kind of melted the finish and basically redistributed it around the surface! Not sure if this will work for yours, I am going to try it this winter on one of my Mosins that have some flaking!
Click to expand...

Thank you very much!
 
rally guy said:
Thank you for your informative post! In what tread was it discuss? As you may guess I Am not at all interested in refinishing those rifle, especially the m43(1943 experimental, gull size with folding bayonet) and also the svt with no stock repair so yeah I am not wanting to refinish them.
Click to expand...

I was referring just to Mosin finishes. SVT might be different, hopefully Horilka or Ratnik can chime in on this.

For the discussions check out GunBoard forums Mosin HQ section. It's definitely the most advanced board for Russian milsurp collectors.
 
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