I have used the acetone soak method for many years to de-oil stocks that were to be refinished. While it works for that purpose beautifully, there is an after effect I have noticed that is troubling. When the old wood dries it is almost always smaller than it was originally. Maybe it's because all the moisture has been driven from the wood along with the oils. The metal then stands proud of the wood, which looks really bad on an otherwise nice looking gun.
Is there a way to successfully reintroduce moisture and/or natural oils to the wood that will return it to it's dimensions before the soak, and also before the stain and stock finish is applied? I don't recall having ever seen this issue addressed, but can't believe I'm the only one to whom it has occurred.
Thanks SRH
