Hi all. I bought a semi inletted walnut stock for my sweedish mauser. I just glass bedded it and am just starting to sand it. I have used linseed oil in the past. It comes out pretty dark and I am hoping to let the nice grain of this stock to show through? What I would like is a traditional hand rubbed oil looking finish that allows the grain to show. I am not partial to the heavy laquered look but am willing to have an open mind. Let me know what you guys thinks
okcmco

1 method I use is custom oil from brownells in spray can.spray light coat and strip with OOOO steel wool between coats until grain is filled in,then spray several light coats,being VERY careful not to have sags or runs,lightly roughing up surface between coats for better adhesion. You can get choice between gloss or satin and it looks a mile deep when done.
P.S. after sanding and before finishing process,hand rub stain in .

Stalkingbear uses the same basic method I often use. Your final finish mau be given a low-luster satin appearance by using a mid abrasive such as rubbing compound ater the final coat is good and dry. Be careful to be easy with it, and rub it in lightly. Wipe it off well, then apply a good automotive paste-type wax and hand buff.

Tru Oil by Birchwood Casey.

Very light coats and wet sand between coats.

Use progressively finer grit sand paper. You will need at least 6 coats on. Each time you are sanding pratically all the finish off. You don't want a big build up of finish. You just want to fill the grain and let the wood absord the oil.

When you get down to 1500 grit paper and the grain is full, you can buff the stock out with a good paste wax.

Respectfully shato,after grain is full,you do need somewhat of a buildup on surface to protect stock from scratches,nicks,and other minor damage encountered in hunting. I usually apply 20 or so coats altogether,filling grain consists of first 5-8 coats. After that,I only steel wool to rough up surface for better adhesion.

This is totally different than the traditional way of finishing a stock but something I did on a T/C Hawken. I wanted to let the gorgeous grain come out so I just applied a couple of coats of clear, satin finish polyurethane to the bare wood. It came out very nice. Grain is nicely visible with a natural finish and the wood is well sealed.

You of course are correct. when I said a minimum of 6 coats, I meant to fill the grain. Further coats can and generally are added to get a slight build up. Steel wool is fine, but I prefer to wet sand as I think that I do a better job of removing any runs. But that the beauty of it, to each there own. I personally don't like a heavy schlaqued(sp?) appearance So I try to keep the build up to a minimum. As you stated it generally takes in the neighborhood of 20 coats.

ive refinished alot of realy dark stocks before and i am one that likes lighter colors to bring out the grain of the wood. i bleach the stocks with clorox, or regular bleach after i sand them. then i spray them with the same clear that you would use on a car.

These are all interesting ideas. I guess, even after I finish sanding the stock in prep for the finishing, I will still have alot of sanding and buffing to do during and after the finishing. It is relaxing work, though. I appreciate the info guys.
okcmco

I love the swedes...nice cal. and sweet accuracy