How to finish a birch laminate stock?

[Njal Thorgeirsson]

Hello,

I've recently acquired an Ironwood Designs stock set for my Saiga 12.

It is entirely unfinished. How should I go about finishing it? I would really like just a light stain, and a matte or satin finish that can easily be repaired if blemished. Tru Oil seems to work great on many stock types, but I just wasn't sure if it would work here, as my stock is a reproduction of military laminate- soft and porous, unlike the seemingly rock-hard modern laminates. I don't really want to do a military-style shellac, i'd prefer something a little bit more refined. Simple is better but I'd love to hear any suggestions!

Thanks!

 

[arizona98tj]

I'm working on my .577/.450 Martini-Henry 1887 Enfield rifle. I am using Watco Danish Oil (picked up a pint at the local Lowe's although I'm sure you can get it most anyplace that sells paint).

Here is a link to it that I found on line. So far, mine is coming out a very dull finish but then I've got a few more coats to apply yet too. Also, my wood had a lot of 130 year old grime, gun oil, cosmolie, and probably something like a linseed oil finish on it. Getting that stuff off the wood (hopefully I got a lot of it off) wasn't easy. I've no doubt yours would take the finish much better.

 

[Liberty1776]

I've got to second Watco Danish Oil - I've used in on several many stocks and I believe it will do what you are looking for. On some cruddy old stocks I've even sort of scrubbed it in with 0000 bronze wool...

 

[Njal Thorgeirsson]

Thanks for the replies!

Do you think the oil will darken the wood at all, or should I start with a stain (I would like to darken the wood just a little bit)?

Thanks!