[ebodell]

Hello, has anyone on the forum refinished the wood on a Romanian WASR 10/63? If so what did you use or what would you recommend? The current finish appears to be a very light oil (?) finish and I would like to protect the wood a bit better.

 

[jjjxlr8]

Do you have any photos?

I would use the original type finish - shellac. Bullseye amber will work fine. You can stain the wood prior to shellac to achieve the desired color.

Also, this would be a good topic for the "Workbench" section of Gunboards rather than a Collector forum.

 

[ebodell]

jjjxlr8,
Thanks for the feedback. Attached is an image of the rifle. Not the best close up but I do not have my camera with me right now. If one of the moderators/admins could move the post that would be great. I did a bit of digging and not sure the proper way to do this.

 

[mriddick]

An easy fix is to use a spray satin or dull finish varnish.

 

[jjjxlr8]

Thanks for the photo. I would stain to a darker color (unless you like the lighter color) and then shellac with Bullseye Amber. I've done a couple of these to try to get them to look more like a factory finish.

For reference, here are some photos of what the original finish looked like on the Romanian Civil Gaurda ("Romy G") AIM rifles. These three rifles were built from matching kits and maintain the original finish on the wood.

 

[jjjxlr8]

Also, another good option if you are going for the original appearance is simply to buy pieces that still have the original finish! Cheap! Once you have the foregrip, you could then stain your upper handguard to match.

http://centerfiresystems.com/stkaka12.aspx

 

[ebodell]

Thanks Guys,
The "darker" more original look is what I am trying to go for. I am just not a fan of "light" color it is now.
Thanks again!
Erik

 

[Sidney Smith]

Leave as is IMO. WASR's look better with the original beat up look .....Makes them appear more bad a$$ IMO.

 

[1918Militaria]

I have done a few finish jobs on WASR hand guards. See my ebay auction for a photo.

I use scarlet red stain and tung Oil.

Simple all natural. Some poly stuff will flake and peel. Tung oil stays on.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260964322982?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1562.l2649

 

[KAGE]

50 grit sandpaper and bullseye shellac if you want the "look".

 

[LVSteve]

I had some BLO in the garage so that is what it got. I may not be too popular for saying this, but I regard the WASR as a tool rather than a collector piece, so mine is getting a US ergonomic pistol grip if I ever remember to get one at a show.