My first post so figured I would share my SVT-40 Stock refinish project. It's a 1941 Tula. Fires great, Bore is great. But the stock finish was rough. I loved this stock as it has a ton of arsenal repairs. I counted 6 on it some pretty big this thing was used and abused and I love that character. But sadly the finish was trashed and I want to keep this for years to come and shoot.
So My goals. Keep as much of the markings and character of the old stock as I can. remove as much of the oil from it as I can (this stock is just Soaked), Avoid sanding if I can help it and refinish in something I find pleasing
Today I stripped the old finish.
Pass #1
First I applied the stripper, I opted for a milder wood stripper instead of one of those heavy duty ones, let set 10 mins, scraped with plastic putty knife, wiped down with mineral spirits as per directions.
Results: still some finish but 95% gone. can really start to see the oil now.
Pass #2
another application of stripper, waited 10 mins, wiped down with mineral spirits. finish all gone but lots of oil. So here I mixed up some hot water, oxy-clean and scrubbed the heavily oiled areas with a stiff plastic brush, washed the rest of the stock with the oxy mixture and a light scrub. Then rinsed with boiling hot water and quickly toweled down.
Results: Wow this is looking great the heavy oil stains are now very light, the wood grain opened up a bit. super happy with the result.
My next step let dry 24 hours, check the oil in the stock and start heating to draw more out.
Close ups Before:
The Tools:
End of day results as it dries
Thankfully my wife is gone for the evening so it is ok for me to use the bathtub to dry while she is not home
After 7 days and 7 coats
The pictures do not do the finish justice at all. I will get some better ones in the sun light. I am super thrilled
So My goals. Keep as much of the markings and character of the old stock as I can. remove as much of the oil from it as I can (this stock is just Soaked), Avoid sanding if I can help it and refinish in something I find pleasing
Today I stripped the old finish.
Pass #1
First I applied the stripper, I opted for a milder wood stripper instead of one of those heavy duty ones, let set 10 mins, scraped with plastic putty knife, wiped down with mineral spirits as per directions.
Results: still some finish but 95% gone. can really start to see the oil now.
Pass #2
another application of stripper, waited 10 mins, wiped down with mineral spirits. finish all gone but lots of oil. So here I mixed up some hot water, oxy-clean and scrubbed the heavily oiled areas with a stiff plastic brush, washed the rest of the stock with the oxy mixture and a light scrub. Then rinsed with boiling hot water and quickly toweled down.
Results: Wow this is looking great the heavy oil stains are now very light, the wood grain opened up a bit. super happy with the result.
My next step let dry 24 hours, check the oil in the stock and start heating to draw more out.
Close ups Before:
The Tools:
End of day results as it dries
Thankfully my wife is gone for the evening so it is ok for me to use the bathtub to dry while she is not home
After 7 days and 7 coats
The pictures do not do the finish justice at all. I will get some better ones in the sun light. I am super thrilled
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