Author Topic: Stock finishing  (Read 1651 times)

Offline flatsguide

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Stock finishing
« on: August 12, 2020, 09:01:46 PM »
Hi folks,
I have a few questions regarding the finishing of gunstocks. The first one is de-whiskering, after finishing the sanding with 800 grit (I can really see if there are any imperfection after using 800 grit paper) after wetting the stock and raising the whiskers what do you use to remove the whiskers? Fine steel or bronze wool, fine scotch bright pads or just fine sandpaper. The othe question is applying the first coat of sealer. Many years ago I used a product called Flecto varathane cut it with turps 50:50 and applied that after the stock was dewhiskered the stock really sucked it up. Right after applying it I sanded with 400 grit wet or dry and used the cut varethane as a vehicle to carry the residue from the sanding to fill the pores and after the finished started to tack up wiped the finish of with a Turkish towel wiping across the grain. After that dried I used an oil finish and did the sanding with 600 grit till all the pores where filled, after that it was finally finished with small amount of oil and rubbed on with my palm.id just would like some ideas how you do it.
Thank you very much
Cheers Richard

Offline Hungry Horse

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Re: Stock finishing
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2020, 09:07:36 PM »
 You didn’t mention what kind of wood, and what you’re staining it with. I would recommend Chambers oil, or something similar, rather that a more modern finish. It’s hard to get modern finishes to look period.

  Hungry Horse

Offline Not English

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Re: Stock finishing
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2020, 09:46:37 PM »
No matter what you use, I think it's critical to thin your finish 1/1 or even 1/2. I usually use mineral spirits, but turpentine will work also. Apply  the first coat very liberally. Apply all the finish the stock will take. Set it aside until completely dry. One caveat is to not let the finish pool up. After the first coat is dry you can do more of the same or go full strength with the following coats. I do this no matter the variety of wood.

Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Stock finishing
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2020, 10:37:33 PM »
I sand no farther than 220 grit. Anything farther is a waste of time.
NEW WEBSITE! www.mikebrooksflintlocks.com
Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?

Offline dogcatcher

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Re: Stock finishing
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2020, 12:40:38 AM »
Search "Frank Whiton's Classic Gunstock Finish".

Offline flatsguide

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Re: Stock finishing
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2020, 05:06:50 AM »
It is English walnut. Thanks guys! BTW I watched a a TV special with MikeBrooks the star of the show .
Cheers Richard