Stock finishing -- to Poly or not?

[Sam1911]

Hi!

I'm about 80% done refinishing my '75 era .35 Rem Marlin 336 and I'd like some advice on the final finish.

I'm a woodworker and a traditionalist, by nature, and my preference for wood finishes is a multi-coat oil treatment and then wax for a protective coat. I usually use Watco "Danish" oil finish, which is very much like Tung oil.

I've done that on a number of rifles, and it is beautiful, but I've often been concerned that I could do more to seal the wood with a different top coat and protect it better against water and even offer a little defense against solvents.

I've currently done three coats of Watco and things are looking stellar. I'm letting that dry for 72 hours before proceeding, and my plan was to use Minwax SATIN (not gloss) wipe-on polyurethane for three or so layers of top coat.

Has anyone tried this, or a similar, combination? How were the results? I ABSOLUTELY do not want a "plastic" looking finish over the wood (just stripped one off!) and would prefer the look of an old oil finish. Can I expect that with this combination? Is there a better choice I'm not considering?

Also, I do very much like the natural oiled walnut, but I'm thinking it would look a little more "Marlin" if it had a bit of a reddish hue. Not convinced I want that, but do you have any suggestions?

Many thanks!

-Sam

 

[fineredmist]

I have tried satin poly on one walnut stocked rifle and I was not impressed with the finish. It was nice but did not have the deep rich effect that a oil finish has. The poly has since been removed and a oil finish applied.
On the other hand I have refinished my 3 Rugar 77 VT varmint rifles and have found the polly to be just grand. These are laminated stocks and plywood is plywood no matter what you call it.

 

[Sam1911]

Hi!

Just for clarification, did you oil the stock first and then use poly as a top coat, or just use the poly?

I've already got a beautiful, rich depth of finish, and now am looking for a protective top coat.

Thanks!

-Sam

 

[jacobhh]

In December 'dfariswheel' wrote a post named
'world's best oil finish.' I've done it twice and
it's the most resilient finish I've come across.
Do a search and you can check it out.

The downside is a form of tennis elbow.

 

[Sam1911]

Wow!

That sounds like a great finish! Unfortunately, I'm already well along with the oil and from his recommendations I shouldn't try the Minwax over the oil. Maybe next time!

Thanks!

-Sam