If you’re like most rifle owners, you take great pride in your weapon. You clean and maintain it meticulously, and you store it in a safe place when not in use.
But even the most careful owner can eventually run into problems with their rifle’s wooden stock.
The finish may start to wear off, or the wood may become scratched or dented.
When this happens, it’s time to refinish your gunstock. But how do you do it the right way?
In this post, we’ll discuss how to refinish your wood stock the right way, preserving its natural beauty and extending its lifespan.
Whether you’re a first-time rifle owner or just want to give your old gun a new look, read on for tips on how to refinish your wooden gunstock like a pro.
Why are Gun Stocks Made of Wood?
Wooden gunstocks have been used for centuries, and there’s a good reason why they’re still popular today.
Wood is an attractive material that can be stained or finished to achieve the desired look.
It’s also a durable material that can withstand the elements and the wear and tear of everyday use.
When it comes to gunstocks, there are two main types of wood that are commonly used: hardwoods and softwoods.
Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are denser than softwoods and are, therefore, more resistant to impact damage.
Softwoods, such as pine and fir, are lighter in weight and easier to work with.
Both hardwoods and softwoods make excellent gunstock materials, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.
Natural Products to Finish Wooden Gunstock
After you’ve stripped and sanded your wood stock, it’s time to apply a new finish.
There are a variety of finishes that can be used on wooden gunstocks, but not all of them will give you the same results.
If you’re looking for a natural finish that will give your stock a unique look, we recommend using one of the following products:
1. Tung Oil
Tung oil is a natural product that has been used for centuries to protect wood against moisture and wear.
It’s perfect for gunstocks because it penetrates deep into the wood, providing a durable finish that will last for years.
To apply tung oil, simply soak a clean cloth in the oil and apply it to the stock in a thin, even layer.
Let the oil soak into the wood for at least 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess.
Tung oil can be applied as often as you like, so feel free to reapply it whenever you need to refresh the finish.
2. Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is a natural product that has been used for centuries to protect wood against moisture and wear.
It’s perfect for gunstocks because it penetrates deep into the wood, providing a durable finish that will last for years.
To apply linseed oil, simply soak a clean cloth in the oil and apply it to the stock in a thin, even layer.
Let the oil soak into the wood for at least 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess.
Linseed oil can be applied as often as you like, so feel free to reapply it whenever you need to refresh the finish.
3. Beeswax
Beeswax is another great option for finishing a wooden gunstock.
It’s easy to apply and provides a natural, water-resistant finish that will help protect your stock from the elements.
To use beeswax, simply melt a small amount in a pot over low heat. Once it’s melted, remove the pot from the heat and dip a clean cloth into the wax.
Apply the wax to the stock in a thin, even layer, then let it cool and harden. It can be reapplied as needed to refresh the finish.
4. Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is a natural product that comes from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree.
It’s often used as a furniture polish, but it can also be used to finish a wooden gunstock.
Carnauba wax is easy to apply and provides a durable, water-resistant finish that will help protect your stock from the elements.
To use carnauba wax you can use the same process as above and it can be reapplied as needed to freshen up the finish.
5. Shellac
Shellac is a natural product that comes from the lac beetle.
It’s often used as a wood sealer or furniture polish, but it can also be used to finish a wooden gunstock.
Shellac is easy to apply and provides a durable, water-resistant finish that will help protect your stock from the elements.
To use shellac, simply soak a clean cloth in the finish and apply it to the stock in a thin, even layer. Let the shellac dry for at least 15 minutes, then buff it to a shine with a clean cloth.
Can I Use Water-Based Finishes: Pros and Cons
Water-based finishes are becoming more popular in the gun world, but they’re not right for every situation.
Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide to use a water-based finish on your gunstock:
Pros:
- They’re easy to apply.
- They provide a durable finish.
- They’re available in a variety of colors.
Cons:
- They can raise the grain of wood on gun stocks.
- They can be difficult to remove if you decide you don’t like them.
- They’re not as forgiving as oil-based finishes, so it’s important to get them right the first time.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-apply, durable finish that’s available in a variety of colors, water-based finishes are a great option.
Just keep in mind that they can be difficult to remove if you decide you don’t like them, so make sure you’re certain before you commit.
3 Easy Steps to Refinishing Your Wood Gunstock
Wooden gunstocks can last for generations with the right care.
But even the most well-made stock will eventually need to be refinished.
The good news is that it’s not difficult to refinish your own gunstock at home. With a little time and effort, you can make your rifle look new again.
Here are three easy steps to follow when refinishing your gunstock:
1. Remove the Old Finish
The first step is to remove the old finish from your gunstock. This can be done with a chemical stripper or sandpaper.
If you use a chemical stripper, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and wear gloves and eye protection.
Once the old finish is removed, you’ll need to sand the stock to remove any residual stripper and smooth out the wood.
Use medium-grit sandpaper for this step.
2. Apply a New Finish
Now it’s time to apply a new finish to your stock. You can use either oil-based or water-based polyurethane for this step.
If you’re not sure which type of finish to use, we recommend consulting a professional.
Once you’ve chosen your finish, apply it evenly to the stock using a brush or rag.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for drying times and application techniques.
3. Let the Finish Cure
After you’ve applied the new finish, it’s important to let it cure properly before using your rifle.
This usually takes 24-48 hours, but consult the manufacturer’s directions for specific curing times.
Once the finish has cured, your gunstock will look like new.
How to Repair Scratches on Your Old Wood Gun Stock?
There are a few ways that you can repair scratches on your old wood gunstock.
If the scratch is shallow, you can try using furniture polish or beeswax to fill in the scratch and protect the wood.
For deeper scratches, you may need to use a wood filler or putty knife to fill in the scratch and then sand it smoothly.
Once the scratch is repaired, you can then finish the repair by applying a new coat of tung oil, linseed oil, carnauba wax, or shellac.
Finishing Touches: Creative Ideas for Customizing Your Wood Stock
Once you’ve refinished your wood gunstock, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
There are a few different ways that you can customize your stock to make it unique.
One way is to add a personal touch with a laser-engraved design. This could be your initials, a favorite quote, or even a simple design.
Another way to customize your stock is to add inlays or decals. You can find these in a variety of colors and designs, so you can really get creative.
Finally, you can also stain or paint your wood gun stock to give it a unique color. This is a great way to really make your rifle stand out from the rest.
Safety Considerations When Refinishing Your Rifle’s Stock
Whenever you’re working with any kind of chemicals, there are always going to be some safety considerations that you need to take into account.
When refinishing your rifle’s stock, you’ll be working with flammable liquids and fumes, so it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area.
Make sure that you’re wearing gloves and a respirator mask to protect yourself from the fumes.
Also, make sure that you have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of any accidents.
FAQs
Can you replace a gunstock?
Yes, you can replace a gunstock of Remington, Winchester, Savage, and Ruger, but it’s usually not necessary.
If your stock is damaged or worn, you can refinish it yourself to make it look new again.
Does REM oil damage wood stock?
No, REM oil will not damage wood stocks. In fact, it can actually help to protect the wood and keep it looking new.
REM oil is a great option for refinishing your wood gun stock because it’s easy to apply and it dries quickly.
Plus, it’s a non-toxic, environmentally friendly option that won’t harm the wood.
Can you refinish a laminate gunstock?
Yes, you can refinish a laminate gunstock. However, it’s important to note that laminate stocks are more difficult to refinish than wood stocks.
If you’re not confident in your ability to refinish a laminate stock, we recommend taking it to a professional.
Final Thoughts
Refinishing your wooden gunstock is a great way to extend its lifespan and keep it looking new.
However, when doing so, you’ll need to sand the stock down to bare wood. This will remove any existing finishes and give you a blank canvas to work with.
With a little time and effort, you can easily refinish your wood gun stock and make it look new again. And with these creative ideas for customizing your stock, you can make it truly one-of-a-kind.
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Hi, I am Mark Garner a professional carpenter, woodworker, and DIY painter. I live in the small city of Peoria, Arizona as a semi-retired woodworker. I have started this blog with a simple motive to help you with my wood experience in this sector. If you like to know more about what I love doing and how it all got started, you can check more about me here.