I have a couple of Model 94 Winchesters that were made in the late 50s. Neither is a collector (although they are family heirlooms) so I am not concerned about changing them.

Their stocks have very little finish remaining.
I would like to add finish, but I want it to be as close to the original finish as possible, or even exact if that finish is still available.

Anybody know what it is?

I've used this:

https://www.connecticutshotgun...64-winchester-stain/

comes pretty close.

That stain is the reddish stuff; 94s in the 50s seemed to be more brown. I remember them new in the gun shops of the time. But the actual finish was varnish. I use tung/poly mix, semi gloss on them. Stain them any color you like.

In the 50's Winchester used an alkid resin based varnish. Try S B Mcwilliams London Blend finish. Dustybirdshoot@aol.com. Dry several days between coats.

Lee Valley Polymerized Tung Oil Sealer. (There are three types. This is the middle type.)

First, remove old finish and sand to 400 grit.
1. Rub in first coat by hand. You don't have to rub in very hard/long. Wait 5 minutes. Wipe off excess. Wait two days.

2. Wet sand in second coat. I use orbital palm sander using 1/2 inch foam pad and 600 grit. Keep the sander moving. Takes about 3 minutes with the palm sander. Twenty minutes by hand. Wipe off muddy excess. Wait two days.

3. Rub in 2-4 more coats. Wipe of excess each time. Wait 2 days between every coat.

After 4-5 coats total, including wet sand coat, the finish just pops out.

My .577 NE single shot on Ed Hubels .585 post was done this way starting with raw walnut and using nothing else. Did six coats total.
Too many coats makes it too shiny.

This is a real oil finish.

Link to Lee Valley Tools, Tung Oil Sealer:

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wo...0051&cat=1,190,42942

A few years back Midway-usa had a finish they advertized as a match for Pre 64 Winchester rifles. Stain and I guess a varnish.

Hip

They sell Galazans, either just the finish, or a kit. They claim its the original finish. But 2 oz of varnish for $20 (including shipping) is nuts.

You're just cheap.

quote:

Originally posted by lindy2:
They sell Galazans, either just the finish, or a kit. They claim its the original finish. But 2 oz of varnish for $20 (including shipping) is nuts.

$256/gallon is more than nuts.

He said that he wanted as close to or the original finish if still available. $20 is cheap for that.

quote:

Originally posted by dave wesbrook:
He said that he wanted as close to or the original finish if still available. $20 is cheap for that.

It is.

I have scotch that cost more than $256.00 a gallon !!!


Hip