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Looking for recommendations of best way to remove existing gun finish. Let me explain: I recently obtained a Win M70 which I would like to do some reshaping of the existing stock. The gun was restocked by someone in its previous life and although the stock is in great condition its shape in the forearm, pistol grip and cheek piece could use some modifications to improve its feel and look. Let me add that it is not checkered, so that aids in reshaping the forearm and grip.
The question is removing the old stock finish in such a way to make the new shaped areas and areas that are not being reshaped, blend together in color as much as possible? I imagine we are talking chemical stripping and in that regard products that others have used with success or issues would be of interest. I would like to avoid sanding the areas that will not get reshaped, as much as possible.
If you have some thoughts on the subject then I would like to hear them.
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That'll be tricky trying to match up the stains.
But as far as stripping, citristrip has always done well for me.
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Is it possible to scrape the finish off? (And I mean with real woodworking scrapers, not a Kabar.)
Sounds like a real challenge. Frankly I would take the entire finish off with a stripper and start from scratch. Got a pic?
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I have used 3M Safe Stripper which is water based and not harsh on the wood, brush it on according to instructions and rinse with water. I use a 3M pad for stubborn areas, let dry thoroughly and I go over the stock with a maroon 3M pad and acetone. Brownell's sells a Pilkington pre'64 stain and so does Galazan, I have used both to get the correct pre'64 Winchester color. As for finish if you want to do an oil finish I have used GB Linspeed and Formby's low gloss with about the same result, the key to a good oil finish is to apply it thin and rub until your hand feels hot. The set aside to dry, I have some hooks on my back porch for this purpose the sun and circulating air aid the drying process but it is still not to be rushed. This is where many get themselves in trouble with an oil finish is not allowing it to dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. If you do not want to do an oil finish I have finished stocks with satin finish lacquer in a rattle can, lacquer must also be applied in thin coats and not rushed but it is quicker than an oil finish. When done with either finish I give them about a week after they feel dry to the touch before applying a coat of paste wax using a 0000 steel wool pad and buffing with a micro fiber cloth after the wax has hazed over.
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Is it possible to scrape the finish off? (And I mean with real woodworking scrapers, not a Kabar.)
Sounds like a real challenge. Frankly I would take the entire finish off with a stripper and start from scratch. Got a pic? I have watched Mr "Kabar's" video and it was interesting. Scraping is an option. If I get some pics taken I can post.
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Thanks for the feedback on chemicals. All is helpful.
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Zip Strip, Stripeez, Homer Formby; just about any chemical stripper will work. Remove it all and start from scratch. Don't use sandpaper to remove the finish. It may look like the stripper left some finish on (splotchy and white) but it will look good when new finish is applied, if necessary or wanted after stripping twice and not satisfied use steel wool, brass wool, a stainless pot scrubber or other 3M type pad. I can't believe I can't remember what those green pads are called!
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Last edited by sbrmike; 05/15/19.
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Start at the start. What finish was used? That will determine if and how it should be done.
Very few people have enough experience with scrapers to do an acceptable job and not make far more work for themselves cleaning up the mess.
Many finishes are very forgiving in blending and many will blend in nicely over time. Some suck in those categories.
I would not strip before doing the shaping. The stripping would get the fresh surfaces "dirty" with the same stuff coloring the old surfaces.
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Start at the start. What finish was used? That will determine if and how it should be done.
Very few people have enough experience with scrapers to do an acceptable job and not make far more work for themselves cleaning up the mess.
Many finishes are very forgiving in blending and many will blend in nicely over time. Some suck in those categories.
I would not strip before doing the shaping. The stripping would get the fresh surfaces "dirty" with the same stuff coloring the old surfaces. Thanks good comments
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Okay, but what is the finish?
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