Old Winchester wood stock

KBP · March 28, 2011, 10:10 AM

My newest 32 Special Winchester Model 94 from 1953 has been coated with shiny varnish by the former owner. Since the wood already has been "refinished" I would like to try to restore it to as close to its factory wood finish as possible. I have "Tru-Oil" to do this. My question is would using a stripper first be best or just a light sanding to remove the shiny coat of varnish. I hate to touch it but it looks so unnatural for the rifle. The varnish coating is not even a good job. Am I making a mistake?

dahermit · March 28, 2011, 12:16 PM

Rub it with 0000 steel wool. It will remove all the surface varnish and dull the filled pores and result in the look you desire without adding any more finish.

March 28, 2011, 10:10 AM	#1
KBP Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Location: Luthersburg, PA Posts: 243	Old Winchester wood stock My newest 32 Special Winchester Model 94 from 1953 has been coated with shiny varnish by the former owner. Since the wood already has been "refinished" I would like to try to restore it to as close to its factory wood finish as possible. I have "Tru-Oil" to do this. My question is would using a stripper first be best or just a light sanding to remove the shiny coat of varnish. I hate to touch it but it looks so unnatural for the rifle. The varnish coating is not even a good job. Am I making a mistake?

March 28, 2011, 12:16 PM	#2
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Ohio, Indiana. Posts: 2,691	Rub it with 0000 steel wool. It will remove all the surface varnish and dull the filled pores and result in the look you desire without adding any more finish.