AK Sponsor
Posted: 9/28/2011 4:02:39 PM EDT
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Gentlemen,
I need your assistance. I'm trying to reproduce the Soviet laminate orange, red, iodine look, using shellac and dyes. I have a general idea as to which dye colors to use, but I'm not certain when it comes to the shellac. I'm debating between Ruby Red, Garnet and Orange shellac. I make my own shellac using flakes and then add the dyes. I know that there is no set standard when it comes to Cold War Soviet shellac on laminate. The "orange" laminate furniture I've seen ranges from bright orange (w/ a bit a brown), to burnt orange to more of an iodine color. 1. Which shellac flakes should I use? 2. What color dyes should I mix into the shellac? Any tips and/or suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you. Here are some examples of the orange look I'd like to replicate. They come from the Tantal's website. 
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One recipe I saw was 4 parts of iodine to 10 parts amber shellac.
I'm starting to suspect the Russians really used a lacquer. It's faster drying, doesn't turn white if it gets wet like shellac does, and doesn't get soft from the heat of firing. If I ever do another AK stock, I'm going to buy a can or semi-gloss brushing lacquer and figure out a compatible dye to mix with it. |
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One recipe I saw was 4 parts of iodine to 10 parts amber shellac. I'm starting to suspect the Russians really used a lacquer. It's faster drying, doesn't turn white if it gets wet like shellac does, and doesn't get soft from the heat of firing. If I ever do another AK stock, I'm going to buy a can or semi-gloss brushing lacquer and figure out a compatible dye to mix with it. Thanks. A couple of different guys recommend about 4 coats of iodine rubbed into the wood and then either tung oil or shellac as a top coat. I'm gonna try it this weekend and then post pics. Thanks! Here's another variant of the Iodine Orange. 
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Quoted: Ok, here's a set of AK-74 handguards that I just finished in my take on the Soviet Iodine look. http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/1457/p1050953t.jpg http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9364/p1050880d.jpg http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/9489/p1050871.jpg http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3466/p1050991x.jpg http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5249/p1050909.jpg IMO the iodine red/orange finish is without a doubt the most badass finish for the Kalashnikov - especially for the 74. Well done! |
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Ok, here's a set of AK-74 handguards that I just finished in my take on the Soviet Iodine look. http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/1457/p1050953t.jpg http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9364/p1050880d.jpg http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/9489/p1050871.jpg http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3466/p1050991x.jpg http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5249/p1050909.jpg IMO the iodine red/orange finish is without a doubt the most badass finish for the Kalashnikov - especially for the 74. Well done!
Thank you. I really like this look as well. 
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I still would like to try this look with some ruby shellac, but so far so good. I compared this finish with an original Soviet factory set and it my version was just a tad bit brighter. That's an easy fix though. Man, I love Soviet laminate and all the variations of color. I know that the originals were done by factory workers, but they are works of art!
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Somebody asked to see Sinatra's work on a rifle - keep in mind, my camera doesn't do it justice - the wood isn't as red as it appears below - it definitely has the orange iodine look in person. This wood was finished by Sinatra in 'Soviet Iodine' (see above post). Rifle is an SGL 31-61:      |
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Here is my SLR95 with Ironwood furniture that Sinatra completed for me in the iodine finish - I am very happy with the color, awesome work at a very fair price. I highly recommend!
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/CletusYokel/SLR95/IMG_8645.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/CletusYokel/SLR95/IMG_8606.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/CletusYokel/SLR95/IMG_8611.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/CletusYokel/SLR95/IMG_8625.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/CletusYokel/SLR95/IMG_8609.jpg Thank you sir!
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^^ wow, that turned out amazing 
might have to invest in one of those sets Thanks. I really love finishing laminate furniture in those original Soviet colors.  Good! Because you're gonna have your hands full with my set.
Looking forward to a good challenge! 
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AK Sponsor
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