Stock Refinishing Question

[Defender3]

I took my CMP 03/A4 out of the safe intending to clean it up a bit, start to oil the stock and sell it off. I store my rifles muzzle up and son of a gun if there isn't a drip that ran down the stock and discolored it a bit. No clue how that happened as I always grease my rifles, but there it is.

This stock is old and dry. I was thinking of wiping it down with turpentine (using a cotton cloth, not steel wool) and then starting to oil it with a cold boiled linseed oil that Phil turned me onto a while back. I know the turpentine will clean the wood and maybe remove that drip line, and it should act as an agent for the oil.

Any other suggestions before I harm this wood? Do you think the oil would remove the drip line without having to use terpentine?

 

[sirhrmechanic]

That doesn't look like oil damage.. oil usually soaks in and makes wood punkey.... Looks more like bore cleaner or some kind of solvent that wasn't all gone.

That's going to be a tough one to spot fix... as it looks like it has bleached the wood. I'd try a bit of Tru-oil or similar in a discreet area just to see if it changes the color back... oil will darken a stock. But I'd be afraid your stain will always be there.... short of refinishing the whole stock. As that looks like a very nice stock... that may do more harm to the value than leaving the drip mark alone.

I'll be interested in other thoughts. But tread carefully!

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[RTH1800]

Stock was intended for far worse that a solvent drip line.

 

[acudaowner]

not that its the same but it looks close

 

[pmclaine]

Hit it with oil love I bet it disappears.

All problems diminish in size with lube and vigorous hand work.

 

[Defender3]

Hit it with oil love I bet it disappears.

All problems diminish in size with lube and vigorous hand work.

I worked on the entire stock and it looks much better with a few weeks work. The secret sauce you sent me was the top coat that brought it all together. I could do one or two more coats, but it would look too good then!

 

[pmclaine]

I worked on the entire stock and it looks much better with a few weeks work. The secret sauce you sent me was the top coat that brought it all together. I could do one or two more coats, but it would look too good then!

I love oil finishes for their ability to bounce back.

I do keep my rifles muzzle down to avoid this exact issue....not so much stock damage.....but having hoppes turn to gum in a trigger or bolt body.

Just ensure your safe floor doesnt have moisture, I use bore covers to ensure muzzles stay clear of rust.

 

[Defender3]

I love oil finishes for their ability to bounce back.

I do keep my rifles muzzle down to avoid this exact issue....not so much stock damage.....but having hoppes turn to gum in a trigger or bolt body.

Just ensure your safe floor doesnt have moisture, I use bore covers to ensure muzzles stay clear of rust.

The wife nixed a second safe so I'm stuck with what I have and too many guns to go bore down.