Stock Finishing question

[Wolfeknives]

Though I have not yet build a rifle, I have spent a great deal of time preparing for my first build. Aside from gathering tools and components, I have been reading all the books I can get. As well as absorbing all the great information on this forum, I follow a few other internet sites. One of these is Judson Brennans Blog. In the most recent post he is applying a finish to the stock. During the finishing process the stock seems to be covered with a dark gritty substance, what is he doing? The finished stock has amazing colour and shows the grain more than usual.
I don't know it it is permitted to show a link here, but Judsons blog can be found by Google search.

Wolfgang

[PPatch]

That is a secondary (after using aqua fortis or ferrous nitrate on the stock) application of something probably to enhance the dark stripes. Wood ash? Tar? hard to say and I don't know. The direct way to find out would be to contact Mr Brennan.

dave

[Ky-Flinter]

http://judsonbrennan.blogspot.com/2015/04/applying-finish-to-stock-on-antes-rifle.html

I am very interested to know what that stuff is too.  I did not see any contact info on the blog-site. 

Does anyone here know Mr. Brennan well enough to ask him what that stuff is?

-Ron

[T*O*F]

It's probably flat black Rustoleum as part of the aging process.

[PPatch]

http://judsonbrennan.blogspot.com/2015/04/applying-finish-to-stock-on-antes-rifle.html

I am very interested to know what that stuff is too.  I did not see any contact info on the blog-site. 

Does anyone here know Mr. Brennan well enough to ask him what that stuff is?

-Ron

His contact info may not be on the website but it is on the internet.

dp

[Dphariss]

It's probably flat black Rustoleum as part of the aging process.

Just like Dickert and Beck used to do. The Moravians, unknown to many, were making and selling rattle can paint all over eastern PA by 1779.

Dan

[mike blair]

i could be wrong,probably am.but it looks like stove pipe soot.but like i said,I'm probably wrong.

[kaintuck]

Black powdered tempura paint?.....while it is wet~, then wipe off???

Marc n tomtom

[tallbear]

There was  post on here a few years ago from someone who had spent some time in Jud's shop.At the time Jud was hitting his freshly applied finish (while it was still wet)with a torch to the point that it would ignite and burn some.From looking at the photo's that could be what these pictures show.

The other possibility is a method I use and that it to apply earth pigments(expencive dirt) using a soft brush to the still wet finish.

Mitch Yates

[louieparker]

Keith Neubauer who was a restorer of antique guns, sometimes used a process that reminds me of the look on Jud's rifle. Sometimes when refinishing a stock and with the finish wet, he would set his torch to produce a heavy black smoke. He would smoke the entire stock and let it dry,,Then rub it out to his liking..  Sure looked life Jud's rifle before the rub out,,...LP

[FDR]

If anyone is brave enough to ask here is the contact information:

http://jessebrennanartsmith.blogspot.com/

his email address is on the blog