I want to strip the gloss finish off of a BLR and replace it with an oil finish, what is the best way to do this. My concern is removing the gloss in the checkering. Can this be done with out sanding and re-checkering?

Neverflinch,

Yes, it can be done WITH care! Certistrip from Brownells is probably the best stuff to get the gloss off with. Good luck!

before I stripped the finish I'd use some 000 steel wool and cut the shine down. You may choose to leave it like that.

You can also get some satin Chem pak spray from brownells and after masking the checkering with tape just spray a coat of the finish over the present finish.

What is CHEM-pac?

If you are intent on stripping the original finish, what I would use is something called Bix. It works well, and isn't overly expensive.

As for re-finishing, you are on your own. All I have ever used is Birchwood Casey, and it leaves a gloss...

quote:

Originally posted by Neverflinch:
What is CHEM-pac?

It's a spray finish from Brownells that actually does a fine job of finishing stocks. Yes...in a spray can that really goes a fine job.

and you can spray it over a glossed (Browning)finish? I'm not sure how that would work.

FWIW,

If its the shine that bothers you, try a littel 0000 steel wool and Johnson's Paste Wax. A couple coats of that applied with the steel wool cuts the shine and leaves a pleasant lustre.

Used to use a product known as Zip Strip and it would removed the finish out of checkering without damage to the checkering. Went on as a gel and blistered the plastic finishes right up. Then a light sanding and away you go with what ever finish you decide to switch to.

quote:

Originally posted by Neverflinch:
and you can spray it over a glossed (Browning)finish? I'm not sure how that would work.

Yes...if it don't work you still go to the work of stripping it....if it works you're done.

I think it'll work.

quote:

Originally posted by Tex21:
FWIW,

If its the shine that bothers you, try a littel 0000 steel wool and Johnson's Paste Wax. A couple coats of that applied with the steel wool cuts the shine and leaves a pleasant lustre.

Really it's the scratches that are bothering me. It's only been out 3 times and it looks like 50 times. All the scratches are in the gloss making them "white" it just want to get rid of the gloss or try something else so I don't have to worry about it. I have an old 870 Rem. thats been thrown in the back of pickup trucks that looks better(really I'm not kidding) Do you guys think the steel wool will accomplish this task?

quote:

Do you guys think the steel wool will accomplish this task?

Look at it this way...what can it hurt?.....it costs a couple bucks for a fine grade steel wook pack.

I just did the 0000 steel wool trick on a sporterized 03A3. It turned out really good, but it looked like the finish was applied with a paintbrush making nice and thick.

I am going to try some paste wax from the suggestion above.

quote:

Originally posted by SDhunter:
I just did the 0000 steel wool trick on a sporterized 03A3. It turned out really good, but it looked like the finish was applied with a paintbrush making nice and thick.

I am going to try some paste wax from the suggestion above.

Possible to post any pictures??

If I can remember to have the rifle and the camera at the same place at the same time this weekend, I'll post a picture of what the fine steel wool and paste wax looks like after a Tru-oil job on walnut.