Originally Posted by Sheister
This is exactly why I refinish many of the rifles I purchase . The factory finishes on so many rifles is muddy and covers up some really beautiful grain most of the time IMO. Sometimes the difference is enough to make you say "wow" once you get the finish on. Even several of my Kimbers needed refinishing and the difference is night and day ...

Namuh, you probably already know this if you've been doing this awhile, but let the Truoil cure for at least 30 days before knocking down the gloss so it can cure completely. If you're in a very humid area it may take a bit more time for it to fully cure. I've been warned about this when I first started doing stock work and my impatience wouldn't allow me to wait that long. I paid the price by having to redo several finished projects until I learned to wait . It does make a difference I found out.... wink

What are you planning on using to knock down the gloss on your finish? I've been experimenting with a couple new techniques lately and getting pretty good results, but I'm always curious what others do...

Bob

I’ve found that with the humidity here it can take twice as long for a product to cure on its own, with this stock I’m forcing it to dry by using a radiant heater place about 24” from it and then hanging it above a wood stove. When I’ve nocked the finish down with 0000 steel wool it’s coming off white and powdery so the Tru-oil is dry, no gumminess or loading. The directions say a minimum of two hours before you can lightly buff it so I’ve been waiting about four hours. The stock finish is just utilitarian for me and since it’s for mostly hunting it’s going to get banged around it short order. I also lightly sealed all the wood surfaces while I have it apart, barrel channel, action inletting, the butt and the screw holes for the sling swivel studs. As of right now I’m going to lightly polish the stock with 0000 steel wool, then wax it with Trewax (carnauba flooring wax), I usually apply a couple coats of wax with a lint free towel dipped in a little cold water that helps to set the wax and makes it very hard, (spit shine if you were in the military).

Last edited by Namuh; 02/23/24.