Stock finish: What would you finish a laminate with?

Nathan · February 16, 2023, 10:19 AM

I have a cheap laminate 10/22 stock. I’m half tempted to prime and paint gloss yellow!

But seriously, I’d like a stained finish I believe that is fairly glossy and durably. Gun will be used for benchrest and PRS type shooting.

What would you finish with to give it a hard outer layer and a bold color underneath?

Can I use a yellow or blue stain and top coat with a clear coat?

Bill DeShivs · February 16, 2023, 02:22 PM

Depending on the laminate construction, you may simply be able to polish the stock itself.

FrankenMauser · February 16, 2023, 03:37 PM

Automotive clear-coat.

Clemson · February 16, 2023, 04:23 PM

Minwax Wiping Poly. Comes in Satin or Gloss. It is as good a polyurethane finish for stocks, particularly laminates, as is available. I buy it at Lowes. My first can lasted 10 years.

Dave P · February 16, 2023, 05:24 PM

tru-oil

ammo.crafter · February 16, 2023, 07:07 PM

Try HOWARD Feed-N-Wax wood polisher.

Nathan · February 17, 2023, 08:49 AM

It is a laminate with no color. I think it is this stock.

STOCK LINK

The stock is a pretty ugly laminate. I’m hoping to add some color and durability somehow. Any tips?

Dfariswheel · February 17, 2023, 08:21 PM

Stain or dye it to whatever color you want, then coat it with polyurethane.

Laminates respond well to actual dyes, and I often use leather dye in an alcohol/water base, or for darker colors a solvent or "spirit" base.
These leather dyes can be thinned and mixed to get other colors.

Once colored, thin the poly well for good penetration for the first coat.
Then thin enough to give good brushing or spraying for later coats.
I have done stocks with a cheap airbrush.

For the poly you can choose Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Flat.

Buy the dye from Springfield Leather Co, or even from Tandy. Feibing's is a good brand, but is limited in the colors available.
Angelus is alcohol base and comes in many colors.

Unkl Chuck · February 18, 2023, 05:56 PM

I'm with Clemson on the Wiping Poly for the laminate, an oil finish will work but might be more hassle than you'd like.
As to coloring, first, wipe the stock with straight mineral spirits to get an idea of what it will look like with minimal staining. The laminates will take the stain or dye differently depending on their orientation, etc. When you decide on stain or dye, follow the instructions and do some learning on the web as well.
If you want the 'Hot Rod' look, you can use automotive type finishes over a well sealed base, but that's a different can of worms.
I don't have a lot of experience with laminate stocks and have never finished a Boyd's.
Good luck.

Nathan · February 19, 2023, 08:35 AM

Well, I think I’m going to try what Dfariswheel explains. After some research, I think I want the die look and it is said to be a bit easier to get an even finish with. Worth a try. Then I will finish with the Helmsman Spar Urethane semi gloss. I’ve looked at gloss and that is too much, I think.

We’ll see. Even if this is a disaster, it will be done!

February 16, 2023, 10:19 AM	#1
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,326	Stock finish: What would you finish a laminate with? I have a cheap laminate 10/22 stock. I’m half tempted to prime and paint gloss yellow! But seriously, I’d like a stained finish I believe that is fairly glossy and durably. Gun will be used for benchrest and PRS type shooting. What would you finish with to give it a hard outer layer and a bold color underneath? Can I use a yellow or blue stain and top coat with a clear coat?

February 16, 2023, 02:22 PM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Depending on the laminate construction, you may simply be able to polish the stock itself. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 16, 2023, 03:37 PM	#3
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Automotive clear-coat. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

February 16, 2023, 04:23 PM	#4
Clemson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2001 Location: Greenwood, SC Posts: 875	Minwax Wiping Poly. Comes in Satin or Gloss. It is as good a polyurethane finish for stocks, particularly laminates, as is available. I buy it at Lowes. My first can lasted 10 years. __________________ NRA Endowment Member, NRA Certified Instructor CWP Holder US Army veteran Gunsmith www.boltandbarrel.com

February 16, 2023, 05:24 PM	#5
Dave P Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 1999 Location: North Florida Posts: 1,346	tru-oil __________________ I think this country is screwed.

February 16, 2023, 07:07 PM	#6
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	stock finish Try HOWARD Feed-N-Wax wood polisher. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

February 17, 2023, 08:49 AM	#7
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,326	It is a laminate with no color. I think it is this stock. STOCK LINK The stock is a pretty ugly laminate. I’m hoping to add some color and durability somehow. Any tips? Last edited by Nathan; February 17, 2023 at 12:48 PM.

February 17, 2023, 08:21 PM	#8
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Stain or dye it to whatever color you want, then coat it with polyurethane. Laminates respond well to actual dyes, and I often use leather dye in an alcohol/water base, or for darker colors a solvent or "spirit" base. These leather dyes can be thinned and mixed to get other colors. Once colored, thin the poly well for good penetration for the first coat. Then thin enough to give good brushing or spraying for later coats. I have done stocks with a cheap airbrush. For the poly you can choose Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Flat. Buy the dye from Springfield Leather Co, or even from Tandy. Feibing's is a good brand, but is limited in the colors available. Angelus is alcohol base and comes in many colors.

February 18, 2023, 05:56 PM	#9
Unkl Chuck Member Join Date: December 21, 2012 Location: south of the piney woods,TX Posts: 64	I'm with Clemson on the Wiping Poly for the laminate, an oil finish will work but might be more hassle than you'd like. As to coloring, first, wipe the stock with straight mineral spirits to get an idea of what it will look like with minimal staining. The laminates will take the stain or dye differently depending on their orientation, etc. When you decide on stain or dye, follow the instructions and do some learning on the web as well. If you want the 'Hot Rod' look, you can use automotive type finishes over a well sealed base, but that's a different can of worms. I don't have a lot of experience with laminate stocks and have never finished a Boyd's. Good luck.

February 19, 2023, 08:35 AM	#10
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,326	Well, I think I’m going to try what Dfariswheel explains. After some research, I think I want the die look and it is said to be a bit easier to get an even finish with. Worth a try. Then I will finish with the Helmsman Spar Urethane semi gloss. I’ve looked at gloss and that is too much, I think. We’ll see. Even if this is a disaster, it will be done!