Suggestions for oil soaked, smoky stock cleaning

[JT-AR-MG42]

Maybe a few folks could suggest cleaning solutions that might help lift out oil out of a few stocks that were in a safe (that protected the guns all right) during a fire that sort of cooked some of the oil in.

The fire was fast enough that the scopes on the guns were fine, the guns just have an 'old' look with the oil.

Thanks, JT

 

[edwardware]

That's what Whiting is for. Think of it as kitty litter for oil soaked woodwork.

Make a paste of whiting and acetone, apply liberally, place in a hot box (your attic in summer is ideal), and the whiting soaks out the oil.

 

[boom boom]

First, removing all external oil that you can with odorless mineral spirits. Wipe down, clean. That may be all you need. For more serious penetration, use the whiting/solvent mix, however, I would not put it in a hot box due to acetone's flammability (or the other suggested solvents below)--this is something best done outdoors under good ventilation. Warm the stock with a hair dryer and then apply the mixture. Reapply as needed.

Brownell's instructions for whiting compound
"Simple “paint-it-on, brush-it-off” process literally draws soaked-in grease and oils out of any oil-finished or oil-soaked gun stock. Especially useful on military stocks. Same method as described in the traditional gunsmithing books and just as effective now as then. Just make a thin paste of Whiting and methanol or TCE, acetone, or toluene and paint it onto the stock, then brush if off after it dries and darkens with oil. Warming gently speeds process. Repeat if needed; raise dents, sand and finish as usual."

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm off to Brownell's.

JT

 

[egd]

You can buy whiting at a paint store. Or at least you could. We used it to mix with the old Dap 33 glazing compound when we used to have to glaze old wooden windows before painting.