I was given a very nice sidelock non-ejector a while back. Wanting to refinish the very dark stock i removed any finish with solvent and scotchpad. I assumed the darkness of the stockwood was due to the original linseed oil based finish oxidising and darkening.
But the wood itself, while well figured is dark, and if i apply any finish it becomes very dark again. I have seen hardwoods bleached to lighten the colour before, but is this an option on a gunstock ?
Does the process weaken wood at all, or interfere with refinishing with oil ?
Thanks
