How to clean wood gunstock? A Straightforward Guide

Last updated on November 15th, 2022 at 02:42 pm

Wood gunstocks may look tough, but even the most durable wood can be damaged by moisture and pack dirt. One of the biggest culprits is mold. Keeping a clean wood gunstock prevents the growth of mold. Wood is an organic material that expands and contracts when exposed to moisture or changes in temperature. This means it will expand and contract in response to changes in moisture that can cause the wood to warp, crack, split, and otherwise become unusable. This post will show you how to clean wood gunstock.

How to protect a wooden rifle stock

Tru-Oil is an excellent alternative to consider for protecting your wooden gunstock. This option works wonders to seal the wood and deliver a high-quality finish. The finish looks satin and will come out with an aesthetically pleasing high-gloss custom-grade finish. The quality and shine of the finish will be mainly dependent on how many hours you dedicate to using it. Adding a minimum of three coats should provide you with sufficient UV resistance. Adding more coats will increase the waterproof resistance offered by the finish. Increased protection from moisture will lead to the wood not swelling in different weather climates. To apply this oil, you can rub it in with your hands. Add a layer at a time and give it about a day to fully dry. If you do not have Tru-oil available, you can also protect your rifle with tung oil and boiled linseed oil.

Best cleaner for walnut gun stocks

When cleaning your walnut gunstock, it is possible to perform this with a combination of isopropyl alcohol or meths. These products work to clean wood without harming it. The chemicals offer excellent cleaning abilities without any risk of damage to wood.

To design this mixture, you need to use a mix of Danish oil and white spirit. Combine these two ingredients at a 70% Danish oil ratio and 30% white spirit. For white spirit, you can use vinegar if available. Danish oil is an essential addition because it spreads evenly and quickly dries. This product will also help you to achieve a durable satin finish. Many consumers choose this because it brings the grain out nicely. It is best to dilute the mixture to avoid getting too sticky lightly. You should add about six coats to be safe. Usually, it is best to leave almost half a day for each skin to dry. This timeline means it should take about one week to finish this if you work consistently. After each coat is applied, you will need to rub the finish with steel wool.

Another option you can consider using to clean your walnut gunstock. This method has excellent protective qualities for wood. The main challenge with this choice is the extended drying time of around 24 hours.

Cleaning wood gun stocks with white vinegar

The metal buildup is a common problem on gunstocks, which can be solved using white vinegar. You can create this mixture by bringing white vinegar together with hydrogen peroxide. Try to mix it at a ratio of 50/50. The two products will eat away at the buildup overnight and give you clean gunstock in about 12 hours.

Pledge on wood gun stock

Pledge is a product made mainly from water, liquid paraffin, and silicone. It can quickly shine up dusty wood, offering it a rejuvenated look. It is an excellent option to use when finishing off your wooden gunstock.

How to clean checkering on gunstock

It is pretty common for the checkering on your gunstock to become dirty. The grooves begin to accumulate dirt over time and become slippery. Fortunately, removing this dirt with simple soap and warm water mixture is possible. Using an old toothbrush, you should be able to clean between the grooves without affecting the current finish adequately. Rub in small but frequent motions to achieve the required amount of lather to clean the tracks in the gunstock.

Cleaning gunstock with mineral spirits

Mineral spirit is an excellent choice to use when cleaning your gunstock. This product works as a slow solvent on shellac and varnish. It can soften the finish on the wood, but it’s known to leave a slight residue. Many consumers choose to use this because it is a good cleaner and will work in most cases without damaging the wood of the gunstock. The key to using mineral spirits is to use them sparingly. You must only apply a small amount and use a cloth to rub it ineffectively. When applying the mineral spirits, you need to test the area first. Attempt the clean with only a tiny amount and then proceed with checks and balances of that particular finish. Ensure you do not overuse the product and oversoak the gunstock. Move consistently throughout the gunstock and then repeat if necessary. Using this method, it is unlikely you will experience a problem with the color changing.

Should I oil my gun stock?

It is good to practice oiling your gunstock after every use because it helps protect the gun. This method will take care of any moisture, unburnt powder, or dirt accumulated on the weapon. Applying the products in moderation is best because excess oil or cleaner can damage the gunstock.

What removes gun oil from wooden stock?

To remove excess oil from your gunstock, it is possible to use a solution made from tce, acetone, or toluene. You can apply this mixture by painting it onto the gunstock. It will soak up the oil by pulling it from the pores when applied. Using this mixture can be brushed off once it has dried. If you warm up the mix, it will decrease the drying time. Many consumers choose this to help them raise dents, sand, and finish their gunstocks.

Can you use gun oil on wood stock?

It is not advisable to use regular gun oil when finishing your wooden gunstock. It is best to avoid using this product and go with Tung Oil or Boiled Linseed Oil for the finish. This oil is not designed for wood and will likely cause your wood to rot.

What is the best oil to use on a gunstock?

Boiled Linseed Oil is the top option to consider for finishing a gunstock. It dries quickly and spreads evenly. The finish is waterproof and provides a UV-resistant layer of protection.