STain/Sealer go bad after 10 years?

[springwalk]

Hi, I'm in the process of refinishing my Anschutz 22 rifle stock. factory did a lousy job by just slapping on the darkest walnut finish they could find on my walnut stock. I was right as after removing the factory finish and completing the fine buffing this stock is very much unique. Anyway, to maintain the grain appearance without making it overly dark I found some old Minwax "driftwood" color, but I think its about 10 years old. Will a stain/sealer go bad after a few years? Should I not be a cheapskate and just go buy some new stuff? If so, what to suggest for a stain? Particular brand and color? I prefer a lighter color that lets the original wood do the showing. Thanks for any help

 

[StrawHat]

If you prefer to let the wood speak for itself, don't use a stain. I use shellac to seal the wood, sand it smooth after it is dry and then my finish which is usually a tung oil of some sort.

 

[Myles]

Stingy as I am, I would give it a very good mixing, and try it on a scrap piece of lumber.