How can I clean up a nice stock?

[Mike D]

I bought a nice stock set for my 1903a3 and it looks kind of dull. Its really not that bad but it has oily residue in some spots here and there. How can I safely remove this without ruining any original finish or cartouges? I am NOT putting it in the dishwasher. Ive been told a little bit of soapy water(dawn) and a scotchbrite pad. Ive also heard 0000 steel wool and liseed oil. Im just afraid to try anything until I know for sure. What are the differences in the colors of scotchbrite pads? After I get it clean is it ok to rub on a little boiled liseed oil? Help, Im tired of looking at a dingy stock and a naked action yearning to be together!

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[JBS]

It may not be the right time of year where you are but the sun heat method works with the least impact on the wood and markings. Wrap the stock in a clean well rinsed dry cotton tee shirt. Then wrap that in a Black plastic trash bag and set it out in the direct sunlight. The heat will draw most of the oil and dark color out of the wood into the cotton tee. Repeat as needed.

[JGaynor]

I would substitute Murphys Oil Soap for the dish soap.
A solution of mild soap in warm water works wonder particularly in open grain wood.

This a formula from a university extension service that i have used:
Cleaning Oil Finish Wood Furniture

The key is to take it slow.


Regards,

Jim

[Mike D]

Thanks JBS- Sounds good to me. And I have shot the gun. I bought it with a C-stock on it. Have plans to return the action to the straight grip stock and use the C-stock for an 03a4-gery. Still cant find a drilled and tapped action with original finish.

But back to the stock, I dont think it needs to be baked in the sun, just not that greasy. Just a few oily spots I would like to clean up and then rub some oil on it. Any opinions will be much appreciated! Thanks, Mike

[JBS]

A small spot at a time you can wipe with Denatured alcohol on a cotton towel but be mindful that this method will extract All the oil in the top eighth of wood. You will need to restore with some type of clear oil.

[Prince Humperdink]

I have removed small spots of oily residue before with ironing method,of course I was removing dents also,but after I ran that hobby iron over the wet towel for a bit I picked it up and it was covered with oil,and spot was a lot cleaner in those spots.just a thought...