I recently bought my first K31 at a local gun show. I like everything about the rifle, but would like to refinish the stock. I have never refinished a wood stock, but have been reading around on the internet and watching a few videos, and it doesn't look too hard. Anyhow, the pics below are of the rifle I bought. From what I read, the beech K31's originally had a shellac finish, so I would like to use the same on this one but I don't necessarily have to.. Here's a list of what I plan on doing (with questions), let me know if everything sounds correct.
1. The stock already doesn't have a finish on it, it's just bare wood.
2. I want to get rid of the dark spots on the rifle, so I've read that you can bleach the stocks. Not sure what all this entails, if they literally mean use clorox on the stock.
3. Lightly sand after cleaning/bleaching with 220 grit contour sanding pad.
4. Apply shellac and use 0000 steel wool between coats. I've also considered Minwax Fast Drying Satin, if it's easier to apply than the shellac.
I might try to steam out a few dents before sanding, but I think it gives the rifle character. Please let me know if anything above sounds off, and I would especially like to know about #2.
Thanks for all the help with this.
1. The stock already doesn't have a finish on it, it's just bare wood.
2. I want to get rid of the dark spots on the rifle, so I've read that you can bleach the stocks. Not sure what all this entails, if they literally mean use clorox on the stock.
3. Lightly sand after cleaning/bleaching with 220 grit contour sanding pad.
4. Apply shellac and use 0000 steel wool between coats. I've also considered Minwax Fast Drying Satin, if it's easier to apply than the shellac.
I might try to steam out a few dents before sanding, but I think it gives the rifle character. Please let me know if anything above sounds off, and I would especially like to know about #2.
Thanks for all the help with this.