stripping a stock

V

vcycle

Active member
Hi everyone, I'm currently trying to strip an unidentified varnish off a stock. I'm using denatured alcohol with just paper towels, no abrasives whatsoever. I realize it's going to take time but it took well over an hour just for the upper handguard. Any ideas or suggestions on how to speed this process up just a bit? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Once it's done I plan on giving it a few coats of lemon oil.
Thanks!
 
Methylene Chloride Stripper

chasdev said:
"Orange" paint stripper works.
Click to expand...

Will it damage a laminated stock? It is the most powerful for natural wood, but it will effect epoxy. I don't like to wear gloves,this chemical will get hot on your fingers quickly,premium all chemical gloves will be needed to resist it,search for the right kind of rubber compound. Klean Strip makes a number of products including a less powerful orange type,easy to get even at wally super center. Use coarse steel wool to wipe away the residue with the grain being careful not to round off any edges,or coarse green Scotch-Brite pads,most stocks are ruined buy improper sanding. If the stock is laminated I would not use this stripper without being certain.
 
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Switch to an old t-shirt. Paper towels are very soft when wet.

Also try lacquer thinner. Use a wooden tounge depressor to lightly shave/scrape the majority of the varnish off after its been softened by the thinner. If youre hitting wood on wood you've gone too deep, leave a thin layer of varnish. Then remove the existing layer of varnish with lacquer thinner on an old white t-shirt to get the rest. This may take some elbow grease. Use the softest bristled toothbrush you can find to get the stuff out of the dings and waffenamts. I then usually wait for the stock to completely dry a few days (including the remants of the varnish in the wood pores) then the remnants of the varnish will have "cured" hard again. I then use strips of duct tape to "bikini wax" the crud out of the pores. A final quick wipe with acetone and youre ready for stain, oil, etc. This way definitely takes time, but the results are always good.


You could use a chemical stripper. They are quick, however they damage the wood, raise fibers, etc and IMO look terrible. Stay away from steel wool or anything abrasive.
 
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I have mentioned this many times here.. Permatex sells a product called paint and decal stripper. You can buy it at NAPA or autozone Im sure.
Comes in a spray can. Spray it on and it will foam up and let it sit for a few minutes wipe off with paper towels. Wear rubber gloves and do it outside. this shite burns your skin big time/// I REPEAT it does not cause harm to the stock. Then use the lacquer with a white wash cloth to wipe down the stock. Use nothing but a natural cotton white cloth. let it dry. then look for spots you missed. A small screwdriver and pocket knife work well for digging and scraping out the reminisce. It takes time and multiple steps. Don't be in a rush and take your time.. Leaving the stock out on the back deck or on your roof in the blazing sun helps dry it and lighten it. Then, the steps to stain and age the stock must come next......
 
Klean-Strip Paint Stripper After Wash

I have used it,it's hot contains Xylene and Acetone,Methanol but claims to not raise grain. Forgot about the waffenamts, on a high dollar rifle would be touchy.
 
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