refinishing and darkening a stock

[takem]

I have a lightly colored stock ( I think birch) that I sanded down. I wanted to darken it before applying tru oil so I used a water based stain but there was a couple spots that just wouldn't take the stain no matter what I did. So I'm sanding it back down. Any ideas on how to darken it? I've never used tru oil but I'm assuming it does not add much color? Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

Light hardwood is very difficult to stain as the tight grain will not absorb the stain, and the loose grain will still have old finish filling the grain after sanding, as you found out.

A solvent based die like Feibings Leather Die might work.
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home/2100-114.aspx

I have had good luck using a propane torch to burn light colored hard wood in interesting patterns. You can do tiger-stripe, fiddle-back, etc. patterns if you wish.

Just scorch it enough to darken it, then sand lightly and apply water to see what it will look like after you apply the oil finish.

If you don't like the look, sand the scorch marks off and try again.

rc

 

[suzukisam]

well there are several techniques.. first of all I stay away from water based anything. they just don't work like the oils do. there are gel stains, stain pens, colored pencils designed for such things. I've even matched wood colors in paint and faux painted areas and you couldn't tell. I have many years experience as a professional painter though. what color stain did you choose? also have you tried multiple coats? how old is the stock. a lot of new wood is coming out so green that is repels stain. My bro had an old 22 mag that hadn't been taken out of the case for 15 years. the wood had shrunken so much the trigger gaurd was loose and the action screw looked like it had backed out. also your finish can be tinted with oil based stain and after several coats of a stain/oil mix absorbing into the stock the areas tend to be less noticeable and appear more as "character" in the wood. can you give more details, or possibly pics

 

[takem]

thanks to both of you. It is an old plain savage stock from the 30's I think. It was beat up and it's not really worth anything but will make a good predator hunting rifle. I tried multiple coats with no luck and decided to use the torch. At first I darkened it evenly as possible but then kinda liked the dark streaks. I wet it for the pic to show what it will hopefully look like when the tru oil gets here. Im not in love with it but it's unique.

 

[suzukisam]

your light spots are where you didn't get quite all the finish off.. if you sanded everything down a little more it would have all taken stain.. at least thats what it appears to me.. that old wood should have stained beautifully

 

[takem]

It was sanded all the way. Spent hours on it. Even went back and re sanded a few times and tried to re apply. Doesnt matter. I'm happy with it now.

 

[suzukisam]

Your happiness is all that matters..it's your gun good luck! Hope it looks nice

 

[takem]

wow I'm impressed with tru-oil. I really like the way this turned out. The scorch marks look great.

 

[rcmodel]

Most excellent job takem!

You are truly a torch master!!

Bet you had your doubts when I posted that about burning the stock with a torch didn't you?

rc

 

[p_jackson]

WOW! Great way to deal with a hardwood stock. I can't wait to try one!
Pete

 

[mbopp]

I have an old Remy 788 that I cut down for a recoil pad. I tried sanding the extra piece and staining it but it wouldn't take. I may just try stripping and sanding it for the torch treatment.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

you can also tint you poly or laquer finish.

I have also watered down pain or wiped paint on, and wiped it off to get a more solid color.

I like what you did.