New GEW rifle

[hammer62]

Just got a GEW 88 in great shape, it looks like the the previous owner put a coat or two of linseed oil and quite posssibly stain over the stock / hanguard. Any suggestion on how to possibly remove this finish? and bring it back to its original glory.

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[majspud]

I wouldn't know how to un-stain a stock. As for the oil, wrap the stock in paper towels wrap inside a black trash bag. Put it on the rear deck of your car under the rear window and sweat out some of the surface oil.

T

[hammer62]

I'm pretty sure I will have to live with the stain color, which isn't bad but the shine on the wood I'd like to undo.

[WarPig1976]

The bag thing works in the summertime and usually for cosmoline. I'd steam then bleach the wood then re-stain with spirit based stain to my liking then use BLO anyway. If your not up to a complete refinish I"d leave it alone because there's no easy way to do it.
Why do you say BLO? real glossy?. I could show two rifles, one with a 75yr finish and one I did two months ago with BLO and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.
Whatever finish you have if it's too glossy take 0000 steel wool and rub it down. For the rifles sake I hope your not dealing with the dreaded Bubba Goo!!!!...

[hammer62]

The bag thing works in the summertime and usually for cosmoline. I'd steam then bleach the wood then re-stain with spirit based stain to my liking then use BLO anyway. If your not up to a complete refinish I"d leave it alone because there's no easy way to do it.
Why do you say BLO? real glossy?. I could show two rifles, one with a 75yr finish and one I did two months ago with BLO and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.
Whatever finish you have if it's too glossy take 0000 steel wool and rub it down. For the rifles sake I hope your not dealing with the dreaded Bubba Goo!!!!...

Yes, its very glossy for a military rifle, I don't think its varnish I just have seen some linseed oiled rifles that dried that looked the same....I'm no expert. I was considering the steel wool option. I really do like the rifle (obviously, I bought it) just wanted knock the sheen down a bit and not cause any harm to the rifle. If I could figure out how to insert a pic I would.

[Patrick Chadwick]

If you think it is linseed oil, but looks too shiny, like a varnish, then maybe someone put it on with a trowel.
In which case...


No need to cook the stock - and maybe warp it.
Just take a roll of paper kitchen towelling and some natural turpentine. Moisten a piece of paper towelling with the turpentine and rub down the stock. Quite possibly, it will take off a lot of gunk. And dull the shine. Keep at it until the wood has a "normal" appearance for an oiled stock, and polish off any traces of turpentine. Adequate ventilation is advised, so that you don't get too happy on turpentine fumes! If natural turpentine has no effect whatsoever, then the finish is not linseed oil!

[hammer62]

If you think it is linseed oil, but looks too shiny, like a varnish, then maybe someone put it on with a trowel.
In which case...


No need to cook the stock - and maybe warp it.
Just take a roll of paper kitchen towelling and some natural turpentine. Moisten a piece of paper towelling with the turpentine and rub down the stock. Quite possibly, it will take off a lot of gunk. And dull the shine. Keep at it until the wood has a "normal" appearance for an oiled stock, and polish off any traces of turpentine. Adequate ventilation is advised, so that you don't get too happy on turpentine fumes! If natural turpentine has no effect whatsoever, then the finish is not linseed oil!

That sounds like the ticket and I'll try it in an inconspicuous spot and see what happens

[WarPig1976]

I post pictures through Tapatalk,,, much easier.

Be careful with solvents since you suspect the wood has already been stained, probably oil based, since you could unintentionally rub spots right through.

[mtoms]

OK - anyone find it odd his gew88 has a handguard?

Turked 88/35?

[majspud]

Not seeing the pics...

T