Refinishing

[Frod]

Good day all,

I recently was able to purchase a longrifle made by a custom maker.  The stock color does not really suit me.  I would like to pull out as much of the original stain as possible, and restain to a darker, reddish/brown color like you see on so many guns.  Has anyone recommendations on how to do this, and perhaps a recommendation on a stain color?

Thanks

[Hungry Horse]

 A lot depends on if it is maple, and if it was colored with aqua fortis, and what was used as a final finish. If a synthetic sealer was used after the stain, you may be stuck with what you have, in the way of color.

  Hungry Horse

[Frod]

It appears to be maple, with a slight tiger stripe.  Dont know what the finish was/is.

[Scota4570]

Need pictures. 

With the right techniques maple can be stained  black.  I would not jump to sanding it.  You may be able to get enough finish off with solvent, to use a spirit based dye stain.  Leather dye can work but it requires experience.  Track an others have solvent based due stains.  None of the hardware store material are of any use. 

[Hungry Horse]

Usually inside the inlets will give you a hint as to what was used for finish. Hard shiny areas usually indicate some kind of modern sealer, or finish. This could mean a long hard road for a refinishing project.

  Hungry Horse

[Frod]

I would prefer not to sand in any way, but could if needed to.  No real relief carving, so that would not be a problem.  However, if I do not sand, what is the best way to leach out the old stain?  Hydro peroxide, bleach, any ideas?  Do not have the rifle in hand yet, will probably get it next week.  Looking for ideas now though.  Thanks

Also, what patch/round ball for a Colerain 54 cal?

[conquerordie]

If this maker has marked the gun, then just contact them if they are still in the business. They'd take all the guess work out it. Just a thought,
Greg

[davec2]

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/stock-work-finishing/stock-finish-strippers/certistrip-prod4984.aspx

http://www.antiquerestorers.com/Articles/jeff/using_wood_bleach.htm

[FDR]

The old cabinet makers used to mix the color into the finish and then apply.  You might be able to apply a new darker finish right over the old after cleaning thoroughly.  Just a thought.

[Hungry Horse]

Really! You don't have the gun in hand, and are speculating on what kind of finish it has, and how to fix it. I've definitely lived too long.

  Hungry Horse

[Daryl]

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/stock-work-finishing/stock-finish-strippers/certistrip-prod4984.aspx

http://www.antiquerestorers.com/Articles/jeff/using_wood_bleach.htm

The brownell's stripper sounds powerful - even the Rem. and Browning epoxy finishes.

[Mark Elliott]

Most of us use ferric nitrate as a stain.   You cannot "pull" that out.   It chemically changes the color of the wood.  The only way to get rid of it is sandpaper or scraping and that only works but so well.   I would suggest changing the color using a series of glazes (tinted finishes) using the same finish that is already on it as a base.   This would be best left to a professional.   

[Scota4570]

Agree, you don't need remove the old stain.  Just add onto it. 

Please try using a solvent, acetone, lacquir thinner, and alcohol and see what happens.  Maybe brake cleaner. Do it outdoors and use chemical resistant gloves.    Once you find something that works use fine steel wool or burlap to remove the softened finish that is on the surface.  Once the wood is exposed dye stains or leather dye will work.  You have a head start because the grain is filled.  Don't mess that up.  As posted by another you can add dye stain to the actual finish.  Using many coats of BLO with dye in it will make it as dark as you dare go. 

If you want to take the easiest possible route you can get lacquer with tint in the finish.  Mohawk makes it in a rattle can.  Just de-grease and spray.  Not historically accurate but it will give a darker look. 

[bob in the woods]

This might sound like a crazy, "out there" question, but....Why'd you buy it if you don't like it ?      If this is a "custom "gun, perhaps the colour/finish is in keeping with the style of the rifle .   This is one reason why I always document i.e. photograph my work before it leaves the shop.  Since my name is on the piece, it's nice to be able to say and prove sometime down the road that "  I didn't do that "

[Gaeckle]

Kind of a slap in the face to the builder if you decide to change the color or alter the piece. You may screw things up by removing the barrel, lock and other pieces from the stock: "Oops", droped the stock and it broke at the entry thimble, or "Oops" can't find the pins to hold in the barrel, just use some old nails, or "Oops" can't seem to put it back together, lot of other things can go wrong.... seems kinda foolish if you ask me.

[Scota4570]

"Kind of a slap in the face to the builder if you decide to change the color or alter the piece."

Depends. 

Some "custom builders" are amazing artists.  Some of the regulars here are as good as anyone who ever lived.  Their work is without equal, anywhere any time. 

On the other hand, some "custom builders" are hacks.  They slap together a parts kit, add some childish, crude carving, and call it "custom".  I recently had to do extensive work to rescue a rifle made by such a person, big name guy too.  I have seen a lot of work done by "gunsmiths" that could have been done better in a high school shop class.  "custom" is an overused word that has lost it's meaning. 

We still need pictures.  We don't know what we are commenting on yet.