Wood Preparation can be the key to a successful project and can mean the difference
between an amazing looking finished product and a patchy piece of scrap wood. There is a
number of things to consider when working on a gun stock. These can include Stain and oil,
curing, return times, repointing the old checker patterns, the woods surface texture and the
surface sheen after you finished the project. So, let’s begin to cover some of those things.
When deciding what kind of look you want in the end you must first begin by making the
decision to use a stain or just a rub on oil finish. If you’re looking for a darker finish than the typeof wood used can provide than add a stain but if you want to admire the beauty of a morenatural look than just apply the oil as directed. Having said this, it’s time to talk about curing andreturn times. Curing is critical in getting a well done, durable finish to your gun stock. Everyproduct used to finish wood has different cure times that allow for the best results so do not rushthis. Find out how long it takes for each step and return to it in the time instructed and you should have no issues.
On occasion someone with a gun stock that has already had checkering work done may
need the existing design re-pointed. What this means is that the texture a checkering pattern may have had when it was new has worn down. This is the process of repairing individual diamonds or points. This not only improves the handling of the stock but brings back some of that appeal.
Choosing the wood's surface Texture and sheen are important as well and need to be
considered throughout the entire process. So, what kind of checkering are you doing? Some
examples include standard, borderless, skip a line, diamond and multi point checkering. Each serves their purpose so if you are looking for designs without borders or the elegant but still functional design of the classic diamond checkering then decide early and plan accordingly. Once the checkering is complete it is time to get the rifle to its final topcoat. Whether it is a matte finish or a high gloss, it’s time to choose and apply the coat that best suits the desired results you want. Allow the proper cure times and you should be done.
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