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I'm currently doing a restore on a 1915 mkIII Ishapore FR'D in 38 by bsa. The metal came out great, but the wood which is nice in its own right is just coming out brown with linseed oil finish. I'm pretty sure it's walnut but not 100%. Is there anything I can use to get that red look I desire? Thank you.
You have what you have L O is the finish the colour will darken with use and age any way. my Blondes are not so blonde any more and my walnut has gone black. The only reds I have are some of my late Lithgows or early rifles that have new furniture from FTRs.
So the more coats you apply the darker it should get hey? Thank you for your much welcome info.
Yes, Linseed darkens with age.
It shouldn't obscure the grain though.
Don't slop on too much boiled linseed, use raw to feed the wood. Even cut it a bit with turpentine to help it soak in. You don't want a surface build-up.
When it's soaked up all it wants, just use a very small amount and rub it out as far as possible with your hand. (Feels hot as you do this...friction)
Rub down hard with a cloth to remove surface build-up.
This won't give a "London finish" and that';' good, you don't want a high finish, just a soft glow to the wood.
I use marine grade linseed oil. It is used on boat hardwood and goes into the wood instead of a surface
finish. Used it for years, guns that go out in the elements should try it. Wipe on wipe off and let dry between
coats.
I have found that using by volume, 1/2 boiled linseed oil and 1/2 turpentine, mixed, will over several applications impart a red color to the wood. Rub in by hand and wipe off excess. Repeat once a day for a week.