Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles How Would You (or Did You) Re-finish a Birch Stock?

i have one on an old .22 (rem 580 single shot). i want the stock to be darker now. so, i have these questions:

1. what is the best (easiest) way to remove the factory finish?

2. please suggest a stain that is easily found and would darken the wood.

3. what sealer/final finish would you suggest? i prefer a dull finish, but one that is reasonably durable.

i appreciate any advice.

thanks

If I am working with an old birch stock and want something quick and dirty that I like the looks of...

1. I scrape the finish off birch,SE razorblade or broken glass works well.

2. I darken and raise the grain with a propane torch. If you over do it you can scrape some of it off.

3. I use a water based Birchwood Casey red stain.

4. I rub in a couple of coats of the Birchwood Tru Oil finish by hand using 400 grit sandpaper.

5. After it dries I buff the raised hairs with 0000 steel wool
and wipe with an alcohol soaked rag.

6. I shoot it a couple of times with Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil spray, buff with polishing compound and apply a couple of coats of wax.

You can use lots of products but the idea is the same. Minwax stuff works well if you use the exterior finish also.