Staining a gun stock

[Harry136]

I know there are loads of threads on this already, but i want to know if im doing it right.I have a Browning Maxus Grade 3 and am trying to darken the woodwork. I am using raw linseed oil. I have a lint free cloth and am rubbing the oil into the wood and leaving it 24 hrs to dry. Any help appreciated.

[team tractor]

Raw linseed won't dry as far as I remember has that's why we stopped using it. Boiled drys

Oil shouldn't darken the wood either just increase the build.

 

Colron wood dyes will definitely darken the timber tho

[Harnser]

Go for the trade secret oil . You get three jars of oil . One for the finish ,one to harden the oil and one to stain the wood . A very good product . I have just don two stocks with this oil and have achieved excellent results . It comes with full detailed instructions .

 

Harnser

[bluesj]

for an oil for refinishing mix turpentine and linseed oil with some aconite root for colour or just use a modern wood dye

[Junkyard Dog]

Alkanet oil, is the way to go if you have already started putting oil on. You will struggle with what you are doing, remove and start again, use a kit, its simple and easy.

[welshwarrior]

The oil needs colour in it to darken then wood alkenut is a very good option. However RLO takes a very long time to harden BLO is much better. However there are a few good comercial stock oils there are also a lot rubbish ones.

[B25Modelman]

Is it drying. I tried True Oil and it did not dry so I have to remove it.

 

As stated only stains will darken, oils will just highlight what is there..

[Westward]

Birchwood Casey makes a water based walnut stain which really makes the figuring light up and can be easily thinned to allow gradual darkening to get it how you want, but obviously it only works on dry, stripped wood.

 

BTW, raw linseed will harden if you add some Terebene driers. The same stuff used by manufacturers of oil based decorating paint to accelerate drying and probably also used in 'Secret Formula' stock oils.

[Savhmr]

Raw Linseed is not an appropriate oil for stock finishing imho. Done a fair few now and Alkanet/Tung/BLO oil mix is what I use. (BLO is diluted 1/5 to 1/6 with turps). First few coats diluted 50/50 with white spirits to help penetration into stock. On the kit front, CCL kits are very good and I'd recommend one of those for the first time finisher.

[B25Modelman]

In my opinion you have to get to the raw wood to do anything with the colour and because the wood is already coated with 'something' its going to be very difficult to darken...other than using a varnish.

[wymberley]

As said, alkanet, but dependent upon what colour you're after diluted permanganate of potash can be handy.

[Bewsher500]

I would rather stain the wood before oiling and work from a fixed point