BLO and "Old Yeller" trying to darken walnut stock

[bosshoff]

I just picked up a stock and foregrip for a 870 Wingmaster police trade in. The wood came from a police trade in, but from a different source. I used wood stripper to remove the varnish, and sanded the stock to where I wanted it. The stock is walnut, the forearm should be walnut, but could be birch. I am not 100% sure on it being birch. Anyhow, this set is very blond. I started applying coats of BLO to it (boiled linseed oil), and it is definitely yellow. I am on my third coat, and it is not darkening the wood very much. Is this normal for walnut? I thought it was going to end up looking like my M1, nice and dark. If I wanted to darken it, I assume I'd have to remove the BLO, and then stain it, and reapply BLO. Will putting the stocks in the dishwasher remove the BLO? What is the easiest way to darken "Old Yeller"?

 

[pcf]

Do not put it in the dishwasher! Linseed oil can be removed with mineral turpentine or methylene chloride, the former being much safer. A stain will be the easiest way to darken the stocks. Take them to an "ready to finish" furniture store, they should be able to help you find the right stain.

 

[timuchin]

Put it in the window.

Sunlight will darken it. Takes a couple of months though. Definitely easy.

 

[bosshoff]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will pick up some turpentine, and see if I can get rid of the BLO. I am not too picky about color, I just want it to be darker than blonde.

 

[ulflyer]

Bosshof, I'd recommend you get some minwax oil base stain in dark walnut for the forarm. Might need several coats to get it anywhere near the stock color. If you think the stock needs a touch of color, dilute some of the walnut stain with mineral spirits...I'd suggest 50/50 to start.

I had an M1 carbine stock in birch and wound up using brown shoe dye to get it darkened. But once you use the dye, thats it, it won't come off as it penetrates too deep.

 

[Sam]

I got pressed for a finish on some blond walnut and in desperation tried some cordovan shoe polish. It worked pretty well and since it was solid I was able to finely control the amount on the end grain and keep it from darkening too much there.
Just something to try.

Sam

 

[bosshoff]

Guys, thanks for the replies. Last night I took some lacquer thinner, and some mineral sprits and wiped down the sotck and forearm a few times. It really took the BLO down, as it was silky smooth vs. tacky. The color stayed the same, a warm yellow. I then generously brushed on some Minwax "Red Oak" colored stain that I had left over from a different project. I let it soak for a few minutes, and then rubbed it off with a cloth. The results were OK. It darkened it a bit, but I can see this easily needing three or four more applications to get the color to where I want it. (I fear this all would have been much easier if I had stained first BEFORE using the BLO live an learn.) I will keep at it, and let you all know how it turns out.

 

[edwardyoung]

Here's a trick I read on-line years ago and stored for future use. Put a pad of steel wool in a small jar and fill the jar with vinegar. Let the steel wool rust. Wipe the rusty vinegar liquid on the stock. Just top off the jar with vinegar and you're ready for the next time. He said it worked like a champ. I must have believed him, because I saved the info.