Coop Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 I just received a call from an uncle in Louisiana that reshaped a gun stock and took the finish down to bare wood. He said that the wood was heavy and light in color. He purchased Minwax ebony penetrating stain and when dried, it was only a light brown in color. He was hoping for more of a walnut color. Having never used stains before, I told him I would ask on here. Anyone have any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
difalkner Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 Photos? Where in LA? I'm in NW LA. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 I’ll see if I can get some. He’s in Franklinton, north of Covington. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 I've used a Minwax mahogany stain a number of times on (I believe) ash. I found that multiple light coats, applied with an old t-shirt, lets you sneak up on the shade you want. Basically, go conservative and it's quite forgiving. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
difalkner Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 1 hour ago, K Cooper said: I’ll see if I can get some. He’s in Franklinton, north of Covington. Ah, yes, a long way from me. He may be closer to you, actually. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 The trouble with Minwax stains is that some are dyes, some are stains, and some a combination. Always, always, always experiment on like wood first. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 Sounds like the stock might be beech. Pretty common in older guns, especially military. Personally, I would forego any stain. Sand up to 400, then start applying some Tru-oil, sanding it in with 600. Smoooooooooth. https://www.amazon.com/Tru-Oil-Stock-Finish-Birchwood-Casey/dp/B00FSVM06S 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bankstick Posted February 16, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil which is a "modified" linseed oil. Used it many times! Worth it and waterproof. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted February 17, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 Originally it was a darker, walnut color and he would like to retain that, as close as possible. Will the Tru-Oil, with multiple coats, get him there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 17, 2019 Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 Tru-Oil is a clear oil finish. It will amber like poly, but not make beech look like walnut. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted February 17, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 Thanks Ross. So how does he get from beech to walnut, in color? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted February 17, 2019 Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 Time, use and Sun? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 17, 2019 Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 I suspect a pentrating dye, Trans-tint or similar, would be more even and natural-looking than Minwax stain, which tends to sit on the surface. Might look best if paired with a toned clear coat, but I wouldn't try to use a furniture finish on a gun that is used frequently. The Tru-Oil is less likely to chip, crack, or peel. Firearms are tools, and need a tool-grade finish. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bankstick Posted February 17, 2019 Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 As mentioned, I have shot competitive trap and skeet in the rain. Tru-Oil holds up the best of anything. If it gets scuffed or scraped, clean the stock and reapply more Tru-Oil. You don't have to do the whole stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted February 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 An update. Unk shook the can initially. It was a couple of years old. He later realized that he should have stirred it. Now, after 3 coats, it’s exactly like he wants it. Tru-Oil to follow. Thanks guys for the input. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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