doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DIY Gunsmithing @ doublegunshop.com Question about whiting

I have de-oiled a stock for my 20 ga. Fox bird gun in preparation for a refinish. Wood needs no sanding before beginning a sanded in finish (Pilkington style). I've run into something I've not had happen before when using whiting/alcohol. After removing the whiting from the wood I still have some very tiny traces of whiting left in some pores of the wood that I cannot seem to get out. They are near the butt on both sides. I've tried a fine bronze wire brush but evidently the bristles are too coarse to get down into the tiny pores to remove the whiting. Again, these are extremely tiny, but very visible.

Two questions. Is there a way to get it out of those tiny pores, or, if I begin the sanding in of the finish will the traces of whiting just "disappear"? Would really like some guidance from experienced stockers/refinishers. Pictures could be provided if needed.

Thanks, SRH

You might try compressed air to see if you can get out the remaining whiting. I believe it will take color if you are adding it.

Those little traces of the whiting powder caught in the pores will dissappear as they mix with your finish.

You remove the stuff as best you can by rinsing off the wood and brushing it. But don't get too agressive with a brush. A tooth brush or paint brush is about as harsh as I go. Wet wood scars easily as it is soft. Wire brushes, even the soft ones can cause some surface damage when the wood is wet from rinsing it.
Compressed air is a good idea. That may blast some of it out.

I just get it as clean as I can and then go ahead and start the finishing process.
I stain most everything, so the whiting dissppears right there.

Thank you both, very much. I will forge ahead.

SRH