[theNoid]

So I need to get all of the old finish out of the checkering on my stock before I refinish it...what do you use and why may I ask?

Chuck

[ranger335v]

Well, it would help to know what type of finish it is. Most finishes respond to one of the various paint removers. Apply one that works on your finish but doesn't require washing the residue off the bare wood with water. It's okay to wipe/wash bare wood stocks with paint thinner or mineral spirits tho.

Clean out the checkering with a brass "tooth brush", Lowe's/H'Depot sells good ones in the weilding tools department.

[jpcampbell]

If it is hand cut checkering it is probably not the same finish as the rest of the gun. Hand Checkering is done after the finish is applied to the stock and then a checkering oil is applied to the newly cut checkering. Stamped checkering is done before the finish is applied and is the same finish as the stock. A little paint remover and a tooth brush will clean out both, then I use a single cut checkering tool or a three sided swiss rifler file to clean up and sharpen the checkering, it doesn't take much pressure to do the job.

[theNoid]

Thanks for the replies. I had given paint remover a thought but just wanted to ask to be sure. Any particular brand you guys prefer?

This stock and fore-end is from my son's model 37a 20 gauge shotgun. The checkering is factory and I just wanted to get the old finish out of there before we put a new finish on it is all.

Thanks again for the help folks...

Chuck

[Robert Hairless]

Just curious: I understand that there are citrus based paint removers that might be more gentle than others. Has anyone tried them for this application?

[U.S.SFC_RET]

I use a decent stripper and one of those tiny steel picks. Get a magnifying glass and pick it out, checker by checker and piece by piece. You will be surprized how fairly quick it can be done that way.

[theNoid]

Just curious: I understand that there are citrus based paint removers that might be more gentle than others. Has anyone tried them for this application?

Anyone have any experience/input here maybe?

Noidster