doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DIY Gunsmithing @ doublegunshop.com Stock Refinishing help

So I�ve done a few stock, but this one seems problematic, I can�t seem to get right. The pores are filled and the finish was knocked down, but I can�t figure out how to get the figure in the wood built up and end up with dull spots in the finish, I�m using boiled linseed and Napier�s London finish which is a linseed oil with dryers. I want a flat finish but the dull spots are driving me nuts. Any advice.

It's only a guess, but it looks as if there's a large darkish patch. I think, if curly figure darkened or stained fairly uniformly, you may not have prepped the wood to the same leveled uniform grit as parts of the stock that you're satisfied with. I think the hot reflective light spot helps illustrate some prep uneveness that might feel different to the touch, maybe soft backed sanding or some reluctance to go after it? Again, only guessing, good luck with it.

You could keep doing what your doing and in time it will slowly even out as the dull spots fill from the edge and get smaller Or you could put a few top coats to Timberlux on and be done in a few days.

Never been a big fan of boiled linseed for a gunstock finish...great for protecting axes, shovels and hoe heads and handles.

Kinda looks like part of the wood is still absorbing finish.

I'd try wet sanding you might start with 200 grit wet/dry then a couple of times with 400 grit wet/dry paper with your paper on a rubber sanding block...before the slurry starts to dry give 'one wipe with a tissue paper across the grain.

You need to be sure it's had time to fully cure between wet sandings...could mean over night in a warm room.

Heck what could eYe know I'm no rOcky mountain gunsmurf...

Got to lOve that signature line of yours Mark...

Coming from a guy flagrantly trOlling for business in the same signature line.

I think I agree with Craig, I just maybe have a different way of saying it. I see it as end grain of figured areas coming to the surface. I would guess most on this forum have more experience with this, than I, but I would work down the dry finish in the big middle areas with fine steel wool( maybe 00), but next to inletting and corners with fine abrasive paper( 400-600 grit), backed up with a rubber/wood/or hard felt block. Take the surface all the way to the wood. The reflective areas are where the grain is filled and there is finish on top of the wood. If you look closely at the dull areas, it looks like the grain is not quite filled( the end grain will take in more finish than side grain). You can concentrate on the dull areas by applying finish, take it down, do it again until all the dull areas are filled. Once this is done take the whole surface down to the wood completely. You will then have the finish in the wood, rather than on the wood. At this point, you can apply whatever finish you want and knock it back to suit yourself by what ever way you prefer. What I like to do for the final finish in to rub in one coat of "Boiled Linseed Oil". Then, when( not if)I get some rain spots or other small defect from use, I only have to rub it up with fine steel wool and rub in another coat of oil.
There will be disagreement with my method, some likely very forceful, just remember I already admitted everyone else has more experience than I.
Mike

Does he troll for business? I live in Wisconsin and asked him to be my gunsmith. He rejected me very rudely and told me to take a hike.

I do not believe Mark does work for others. I have known him nearly 20 years and have never heard a rude word out of his mouth. I do not accept all clients or types or work either and I am getting more picky by the day. Could be a sign I am getting old.

He trolls for gun sales...

What do you troll for Frank?