All you experienced gunsmiths out there, what's the best way(s) to clean and polish old wood without refinishing an old stock? I'd like to see if I can clean up an old finish without stripping it and starting over. Checkered area is darker than the other wood. Your ideas and experience are appreciated. Bob
0000 steel wool and Watco Marine sealer is my choice. The sealer is a very thin oil/spar mixture that acts as a solvent for old, oxidized finish, dirt, and stuff.
You can make your own with one part Spar varnish and 5 parts mineral spirits.
Use a tooth brush and sealer on the checkering. Many times dark checkering is that way because it was stained. Scrub it, but if it doesn't lighten up there's not much you can do.
