Dent removal finished laminate stock

Colorado Redneck · March 8, 2020, 03:07 PM

I have a rifle with a nice laminate stock that I accidently struck with a wrench and it is marred with a dent. Can finished laminate be steamed to raise the dent, with a wet cotton cloth and a steam iron? I am sceptical this will be productive, since the wood is finished. Any experince or tips will be helpful.

Thanks!

**4V50 Gary** · March 8, 2020, 04:10 PM

I was doing that and the department head started laughing. He uses a torch as it was faster.

Colorado Redneck · March 8, 2020, 09:45 PM

Yikes! Thats off the wall. Will the steam iron work on laminate?

FrankenMauser · March 8, 2020, 10:25 PM

Only one way to find out....

I don't mean that to be overly sarcastic or ridiculous. It really is the case. There are a lot of different laminates out there, finished in different ways.

Just thinking here...
If the dent does not have finish damage, the steam is unlikely to be able to penetrate. As such, (dry) heat is the best answer. Use the moisture already in the wood to do the work for you.

Torch. Oven. Sunbathing on a summer day...
Whatever works.

Scorch · March 8, 2020, 11:58 PM

If there is no finish on the laminate, denatured alcohol wiped on the grain will raise the dent.

T. O'Heir · March 9, 2020, 12:45 PM

"...Will the steam iron work on laminate?..." It should raise the first layer, at least. Laminates are like plywood. However, some of 'em have a finish that penetrates the first layer and keeps moisture out.
Like FrankenMauser says not all laminates are created equal. Trying it will tell you right away. You can't hurt it any more than whacking it with a wrench.

Pahoo · March 9, 2020, 01:10 PM

Quote:

There are a lot of different laminates out there, finished in different ways.

Agree !!!

Quote:

Just thinking here...
If the dent does not have finish damage, the steam is unlikely to be able to penetrate. As such, (dry) heat is the best answer. Use the moisture already in the wood to do the work for you.

Most folks don't realize that there is enough moisture in the wood, that will lift the dent. The application of external moisture just assures that it is present. I use a "hobby" hand iron that I use, successfully. …..

Be Safe !!!

Colorado Redneck · March 9, 2020, 02:02 PM

Thanks for the comments. I'll give it a try. It's a Boyds stock, and when I dinged it kinda made me feel like a klutz. Don't want to klutz it up any worse.

Thanks again!

March 8, 2020, 03:07 PM	#1
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	Dent removal finished laminate stock I have a rifle with a nice laminate stock that I accidently struck with a wrench and it is marred with a dent. Can finished laminate be steamed to raise the dent, with a wet cotton cloth and a steam iron? I am sceptical this will be productive, since the wood is finished. Any experince or tips will be helpful. Thanks!

March 8, 2020, 04:10 PM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,855	I was doing that and the department head started laughing. He uses a torch as it was faster. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

March 8, 2020, 10:25 PM	#4
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,443	Only one way to find out.... I don't mean that to be overly sarcastic or ridiculous. It really is the case. There are a lot of different laminates out there, finished in different ways. Just thinking here... If the dent does not have finish damage, the steam is unlikely to be able to penetrate. As such, (dry) heat is the best answer. Use the moisture already in the wood to do the work for you. Torch. Oven. Sunbathing on a summer day... Whatever works. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

March 8, 2020, 11:58 PM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	If there is no finish on the laminate, denatured alcohol wiped on the grain will raise the dent. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

March 9, 2020, 12:45 PM	#6
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...Will the steam iron work on laminate?..." It should raise the first layer, at least. Laminates are like plywood. However, some of 'em have a finish that penetrates the first layer and keeps moisture out. Like FrankenMauser says not all laminates are created equal. Trying it will tell you right away. You can't hurt it any more than whacking it with a wrench. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 8, 2020, 09:45 PM	#3
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	Yikes! Thats off the wall. Will the steam iron work on laminate?

March 9, 2020, 02:02 PM	#8
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	Thanks for the comments. I'll give it a try. It's a Boyds stock, and when I dinged it kinda made me feel like a klutz. Don't want to klutz it up any worse.Thanks again!