Cleaning Stock Checkering

irishguy · January 31, 2006, 05:44 PM

This question has probably been asked a thousand times but I searched the archives but couldn't find anything.

I have a 1957 Browning superposed 12 ga. Field Grade shotgun that is in great shape except for the checkering being very dirty or blackcolored. I really don't want to refinish the wood, just clean out the checkering. Is there a safe, easy or idiot-proof way to accomplish this without me doing any damage? The Blonde colored stock is really nice but the "dirty" checkering is really an eye sore, in my opinion.

Thanks for your help, in advance.

rangermonroe · January 31, 2006, 06:42 PM

Have you tried mineral spirits and a toothbrush?

You may want to try an out of sight spot to make sure that the finish itself wont disolve, first.

irishguy · January 31, 2006, 07:30 PM

Thanks ranger. Makes sense. Never thought of mineral spirits. I'll give it a try.

HiPowering Along · January 31, 2006, 09:58 PM

Murphy's Oil Soap and a medium flex toothbrush - doesn't hurt the wood, and comes off pretty quickly.

irishguy · February 1, 2006, 06:12 AM

Thanks Hipower-now I have two options to consider. Seems like the Murphy's Oil Soap may be safer. Maybe I'll try this first.

brickeyee · February 2, 2006, 09:44 AM

Paint thinner is probably safer than Murphy's and water. While Murphy's is good for cleaning intact finishes, it is a bad idea on raw wood or damaged finishes.

Mike in Michigan · February 2, 2006, 12:11 PM

I have had excellent results using the un-scented mineral spirits & toothbrush. Works same as regular stuff but you don't have to contend with the smell next to your face.
I agree with Brickeyee regarding the risk of using soap and water on any worn finish. Chance of raising the finish and the grain.
Mike in Michigan

January 31, 2006, 05:44 PM	#1
irishguy Member Join Date: December 28, 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 24	Cleaning Stock Checkering This question has probably been asked a thousand times but I searched the archives but couldn't find anything. I have a 1957 Browning superposed 12 ga. Field Grade shotgun that is in great shape except for the checkering being very dirty or blackcolored. I really don't want to refinish the wood, just clean out the checkering. Is there a safe, easy or idiot-proof way to accomplish this without me doing any damage? The Blonde colored stock is really nice but the "dirty" checkering is really an eye sore, in my opinion. Thanks for your help, in advance.

January 31, 2006, 07:30 PM	#3
irishguy Member Join Date: December 28, 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 24	Cleaning Stock Checkering Thanks ranger. Makes sense. Never thought of mineral spirits. I'll give it a try.

January 31, 2006, 09:58 PM	#4
HiPowering Along Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2006 Location: PA - Land of taxes, potholes and unfortunately Ed "Gun Grabbin' Fast Eddie" Rendell Posts: 254	Murphy's Oil Soap and a medium flex toothbrush - doesn't hurt the wood, and comes off pretty quickly. __________________ HP'ing Along - - - - - - - - - - - - - *"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."* - One of the greatest sentences ever written into an instrument of democracy.

February 1, 2006, 06:12 AM	#5
irishguy Member Join Date: December 28, 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 24	Cleaning stock checkering Thanks Hipower-now I have two options to consider. Seems like the Murphy's Oil Soap may be safer. Maybe I'll try this first.

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January 31, 2006, 06:42 PM	#2
rangermonroe Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2005 Location: savannah Posts: 758	Have you tried mineral spirits and a toothbrush? You may want to try an out of sight spot to make sure that the finish itself wont disolve, first.

February 2, 2006, 09:44 AM	#6
brickeyee Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2004 Posts: 3,351	Paint thinner is probably safer than Murphy's and water. While Murphy's is good for cleaning intact finishes, it is a bad idea on raw wood or damaged finishes.

February 2, 2006, 12:11 PM	#7
Mike in Michigan Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 34	I have had excellent results using the un-scented mineral spirits & toothbrush. Works same as regular stuff but you don't have to contend with the smell next to your face. I agree with Brickeyee regarding the risk of using soap and water on any worn finish. Chance of raising the finish and the grain. Mike in Michigan