How do you fix a scratched polyurethane stock finish?

[The Real Hawkeye]

I have an old 1961 Browning rifle made on a Sako action. I bought it from the son of the original owner who had left it to him. When I bought it, a few years ago, it was new in the box, never fired. It has truly beautiful wood, which is covered with a glossy Polyurethane type finish, but after I bought it I unwrapped the bolt (which was still sealed in its original wrapping) and just as I was installing it my hand slipped, and the bolt fell and scratched the finish, two neat lines. Any easy way to fix this without a total refinish? The scratches are superficial, and do not actually touch the wood underneath. Thanks.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Use some polishing compound, you can get it from a auto store, go easy and take your time.

 

[Blue Line]

maybe try buffing it out

 

[DT Guy]

If the scratches are too deep to buff out, and the finish is DEFINITELY poly, you can use an old luthier's trick:

Clean and degrease the scratch. Using super glue, dribble (that's technical, folks) some into the scratch following the long dimension. Do thin coats, letting each dry completely. When you have the scratch filled slightly higher than the surrounding surface, 1500 grit wet or dry followed by buffing compound will level it out.

If you let it dry and cleaned well beforehand, it should be *this* close to invisible.


Larry

 

[tinkerbell]

Call Brownells and ask for technical assistance, they will guide you to the right product and method. Please write about the outcome whatever you try.