refinishing a gun stock?

Question

does it matter what kind of stain you use when refinishing a gun stock?

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

If you mean the color, then no. An oil-based stain is more traditional, although the newer latex ones might look cool for effect. After that I would consider either polyurethane or lacquer over the top of that to seal it from weather. Lacquer is not as tough but very easy to fix mistakes while the poly is tougher and takes much longer to dry.

The more shine a finish has then the more defects will show. Or just start rubbing it down with thin coats of linseed oil. I have always loved that look.

Answer 3

your stain should be compatible with the final finish you plan to use. true Walnut wood really doesnt need stain to make it look great, unless there's a lot of sap wood (more yellowish or red than walnut color) that you want to blend. You can see how it'll look under a clear finish by wiping it down with mineral spirits once the old finish is gone.
Try to NOT sand the stock if you can help it. Chemically strip it if possible, rinse it with mineral spirits and 00000 (5 ought) steel wool until you've got it down to clean bare wood. The less you have to sand the better, since you won't disturb checkering or the profile of the stock.

Minwax stain works very well if you want more color, and is very forgiving. Wipe some on, then wipe it off. You can always add more to deepen the color. Fashion a way to hang the stock. Satin poly is a great way to add a finish to the stock. Several light coats is much better than One heavy one. If you really want to have it come out nice, spray down the stock with finish, let it dry overnight, then lightly rub it down with clean 00000 steel wool. Vacuum or tac rag to remove any dust or steel wool particles. Then shoot another coat.
I often spray up to 12 coats of handrubbed poly when I do a stock. I like Trueoil by Birchwood casey but they havnt figured out how to market a spray that will work until empty, So I use the minwax Poly. Use Satin, instead of Gloss. It dries faster and blemishes will not show up. If you have checkering, spray one thin coat of finish on your checkering, let dry, theu mask off your checkering so that it stays nice and sharp and defined.

Answer 4

Use a stain that's compatible with the final finish
you intend to use.
Other than that, no restrictions.

Answer 5

Brownells has everything you need for stock refinishing.

www.brownells.com

Answer 6

I use boiled linseed oil.

Best.

H