[DriftPunch]

How were the walnut K31 stocks finished. I'm restoring one, and would like to finish it properly...

For that matter, how were the beech ones finished?

Thanks!

 

[mitchg233]

Shellac. When I refinish, I clean with paint stripper, steam the dents, let the stock dry completely, steel wool, put a coat of BLO on and let dry for a few days, then pad several coats of Zinsser amber shellac, which are knocked down with steel wool to remove excess shine. There are some varieties of shellac flakes that might be more authentic. I don't use sand paper at all. These pics show up shiny because of the camera flash.

 

[Guisan]

The walnut ones were linseed oiled and polished, all the later beech ones just got a shellac layer.
When the rifles got refurbished (and most were) by the arsenals they used shellac even on the older walnut ones so both is also kind of correct.
You could check what's on that walnut one by using some alcohol, shellac dissolves in alcohol.

Guisan.

 

[DriftPunch]

Thanks!

How does one Steam dents without specialty equipment? I've never done it before. Would one of those 'Shark' steam cleaners work?

 

[reddog]

Use a tea kettle and hold the dent over the steam. Sometimes it helps to puncture the wood in the dent with a pin to allow the steam to enter. Unfortunately the dents on older rifles are dark and remain so when raised unless sanded to remove the dark part. That's why you'll see refinished rifles with dark marks on them, old dents.

 

[mitchg233]

or, use a flat iron and a wet cloth

 

[Tony C.]

be advised that the older the shellac is, the slower it is to dissolve in alcohol. don't expect it to melt upon contact.

I think the straight amber is a little dark. maybe a 1:3 clear ro amber might be closer. of course, the good news is, fresh shellac is easy to remove with alcohol so you can do it over and over till it's right.