What to use for removing finish

winchester1917 · August 12, 2014, 08:26 PM

I would like to refinish a rifle stock. What should I use to remove the finish. It looks like a basic varnish on a maple stock.
I'm just curious what people are using to strip old stocks.
Thanks

Dixie Gunsmithing · August 12, 2014, 08:35 PM

To be honest, I sand it off using a 2-1/2" diameter drum and a flap sander. Then I finish sand everything, and apply finish.

If its not scratched up, about any wipe on paint remover will work, and I like the gel type the best. Just wipe it on, let it set for 5 minutes, and scrape/wipe off the gunk. You'll most likely still need to take a 400 grit paper over the wood, as the remover will raise the grain.

winchester1917 · August 12, 2014, 08:52 PM

Yeah, I will definitely be finish-sanding it either way. I'm just wondering if anyone has a magic formula that will take the bulk of the finish off first. I do have some of the gel paint stripper. I will use that if no one else has any other suggestions.

JWT · August 12, 2014, 11:42 PM

I've always used a gel paint stripper.

hoghunting · August 13, 2014, 12:16 AM

If it's varnish lacquer thinner will take it off and it's easier than a stripper. You'll still need to finish sand, but you will not have to scrape the finish off, just wet a rag with the thinner and rub the finish. When you're finished, put the rag on the driveway and let it dry as it can combust in a trash can.

gyvel · August 13, 2014, 02:27 AM

I've only had to use gel stripper on very stubborn polyurethane finishes.

As hoghunting said, lacquer thinner will do a fine job of stripping varnish off, although at current cost for a even a quart of lacquer thinner, I think it would be cheaper to get a two or three cans of Walmart "Supertech" carb cleaner, which is just as effective, if not more so. Not only does it strip lacquer, varnish, shellac, etc., off, it is a great degreaser, too.

FrankenMauser · August 13, 2014, 02:58 AM

Many people are afraid of it, due to its volatility and the necessity to use a chemical respirator if using it inside (just go outside

); but I very much prefer acetone for stripping or degreasing just about anything gun related.

It isn't expensive, works well, works quickly, and, unlike other things like carb cleaner and some gels, it leaves no residue.

RLWII · August 13, 2014, 03:00 AM

My father in law always used the dishwasher. A few times thru the washer is all it takes.

Scorch · August 13, 2014, 04:32 AM

Since I do stock work for a living, I look for what works easiest and most dependably. I use Citristrip, available from Lowes, Home Depot, WalMart, etc. Works well, gets even really tough finishes off easily. Low odor, no VOC, goes on in a gel, even lifts off epoxy finishes.

Dixie Gunsmithing · August 13, 2014, 06:34 AM

Scorch,

Same stuff I have here. Works great, especially when cleaning checkering.

winchester1917 · August 13, 2014, 12:01 PM

Well, I have some lacquer thinner downstairs, so I'll give that a try. I think that's the only thing I have of the items mentioned.

gyvel · August 13, 2014, 12:41 PM

Quote:

and, unlike other things like carb cleaner and some gels, it leaves no residue.

While some carb cleaners do leave a residue, the formulation of the Walmart "Supertech" brand does not. That's why it's also very useful as a degreaser.

cohoskip · August 13, 2014, 01:58 PM

Acetone or brake cleaner...

winchester1917 · August 13, 2014, 03:40 PM

Well, the lacquer thinner didn't want to cut it, so it must not have been a varnish. I used some gel stripper, some steel wool, paint thinner, and a lot of sanding and finally got it all down.
Thanks for all the info.

.50cal packer · August 14, 2014, 02:01 PM

If I'm not to late.... The BEST thing, I have used is Krud Kutter. This stuff is amazing. its uses range from removing old stains on laundry, to cutting through cosmoline, lacquer and stain in one swoop. I buy this by the gallon. Its cheaper at big home improvement stores, than the big blue and white box store. Even if you went with something else already, buy this stuff to just keep handy. Its even safe for the environment, so you can work inside or out. No odor. Perfect for old guns..

gyvel · August 14, 2014, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Well, the lacquer thinner didn't want to cut it, so it must not have been a varnish.

At the risk of sounding like a salesman for Walmart, try the Supertech carb cleaner first. I have been using it for years. Just use it with adequate ventilation.

It will remove epoxy and polyurethane finishes, but you must spray it on and leave it set for a minute or two, then wipe or scrape it off gradually (using a plastic scraper so as not to damage the wood). Eventually all the finish will be gone, leaving your wood ready for whatever finish you want to put on it.

While gel type paint strippers will work, they are extremely caustic and can burn your skin if you are not careful. (When I worked for the airlines, there was a female cleaner who, in spite of the protective face masks that were issued got some stripper on her face and it permanently disfigured her.) Additionally, it must be rinsed off with water, and that tends to cause the wood to absorb some water, swell and leave you with a "hairy" surface.

Best of all, the stuff is cheap, less than 2 bucks a can.

winchester1917 · August 14, 2014, 06:04 PM

Definitely gonna pick up some of that carb cleaner to try out. If it doesn't work for me I'll keep it around for cleaning carbs or degreasing stuff anyway.
And I might have to give that Krud Cutter a chance too.

gyvel · August 14, 2014, 06:30 PM

The carb cleaner also does a pretty fair job as a paint remover, as long as what the paint is on isn't some kind of common plastic (styrene, etc.), although I have never had any problems using it on polymers like Glocks, etc.

August 12, 2014, 08:26 PM	#1
winchester1917 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 115	What to use for removing finish I would like to refinish a rifle stock. What should I use to remove the finish. It looks like a basic varnish on a maple stock. I'm just curious what people are using to strip old stocks. Thanks

August 13, 2014, 02:58 AM	#7
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,775	Many people are afraid of it, due to its volatility and the necessity to use a chemical respirator if using it inside (just go outside ); but I very much prefer acetone for stripping or degreasing just about anything gun related. It isn't expensive, works well, works quickly, and, unlike other things like carb cleaner and some gels, it leaves no residue. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

August 13, 2014, 04:32 AM	#9
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,249	Since I do stock work for a living, I look for what works easiest and most dependably. I use Citristrip, available from Lowes, Home Depot, WalMart, etc. Works well, gets even really tough finishes off easily. Low odor, no VOC, goes on in a gel, even lifts off epoxy finishes. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

August 14, 2014, 02:01 PM	#15
.50cal packer Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2006 Posts: 154	If I'm not to late.... The BEST thing, I have used is Krud Kutter. This stuff is amazing. its uses range from removing old stains on laundry, to cutting through cosmoline, lacquer and stain in one swoop. I buy this by the gallon. Its cheaper at big home improvement stores, than the big blue and white box store. Even if you went with something else already, buy this stuff to just keep handy. Its even safe for the environment, so you can work inside or out. No odor. Perfect for old guns.. __________________ { Ceteris Paribus } You know that your ignorance is stupidity, when you're getting responses to your post starting with, *IT SEEMS TO ME, LIKE ALL THESE NEW GUYS THINK...*

August 12, 2014, 08:35 PM	#2
Dixie Gunsmithing Moderator Emeritus Join Date: April 27, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,923	To be honest, I sand it off using a 2-1/2" diameter drum and a flap sander. Then I finish sand everything, and apply finish. If its not scratched up, about any wipe on paint remover will work, and I like the gel type the best. Just wipe it on, let it set for 5 minutes, and scrape/wipe off the gunk. You'll most likely still need to take a 400 grit paper over the wood, as the remover will raise the grain.

August 12, 2014, 08:52 PM	#3
winchester1917 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 115	Yeah, I will definitely be finish-sanding it either way. I'm just wondering if anyone has a magic formula that will take the bulk of the finish off first. I do have some of the gel paint stripper. I will use that if no one else has any other suggestions.

August 12, 2014, 11:42 PM	#4
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	I've always used a gel paint stripper.

August 13, 2014, 12:16 AM	#5
hoghunting Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2006 Posts: 1,559	If it's varnish lacquer thinner will take it off and it's easier than a stripper. You'll still need to finish sand, but you will not have to scrape the finish off, just wet a rag with the thinner and rub the finish. When you're finished, put the rag on the driveway and let it dry as it can combust in a trash can.

August 13, 2014, 02:27 AM	#6
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	I've only had to use gel stripper on very stubborn polyurethane finishes. As hoghunting said, lacquer thinner will do a fine job of stripping varnish off, although at current cost for a even a quart of lacquer thinner, I think it would be cheaper to get a two or three cans of Walmart "Supertech" carb cleaner, which is just as effective, if not more so. Not only does it strip lacquer, varnish, shellac, etc., off, it is a great degreaser, too.

August 13, 2014, 03:00 AM	#8
RLWII Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 94	My father in law always used the dishwasher. A few times thru the washer is all it takes.

August 13, 2014, 06:34 AM	#10
Dixie Gunsmithing Moderator Emeritus Join Date: April 27, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,923	Scorch, Same stuff I have here. Works great, especially when cleaning checkering.

August 13, 2014, 12:01 PM	#11
winchester1917 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 115	Well, I have some lacquer thinner downstairs, so I'll give that a try. I think that's the only thing I have of the items mentioned.

August 13, 2014, 01:58 PM	#13
cohoskip Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2007 Location: Chimacum, WA Posts: 424	Acetone or brake cleaner...

August 13, 2014, 03:40 PM	#14
winchester1917 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 115	Well, the lacquer thinner didn't want to cut it, so it must not have been a varnish. I used some gel stripper, some steel wool, paint thinner, and a lot of sanding and finally got it all down. Thanks for all the info.

August 14, 2014, 06:04 PM	#17
winchester1917 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 115	Definitely gonna pick up some of that carb cleaner to try out. If it doesn't work for me I'll keep it around for cleaning carbs or degreasing stuff anyway. And I might have to give that Krud Cutter a chance too.

August 14, 2014, 06:30 PM	#18
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	The carb cleaner also does a pretty fair job as a paint remover, as long as what the paint is on isn't some kind of common plastic (styrene, etc.), although I have never had any problems using it on polymers like Glocks, etc.