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Posted: 10/16/2008 5:08:48 PM EDT
| I'm de-banning a MAK90. So of course I had to order a stock set from Ironwood Designs. I'm not interested in have the stock set red. I prefer browns or tans. I really don't want to spend 3 weeks finishing stocks. What is the fastest and most durable way to finish the set and still have a nice looking rifle? By the way also needs to resist water. |
| You should consider using whatever color stain you choose follwed up by at least 4-6 coats of Tung Oil. You will have a complete shine when your finished that is 100% water resistant, and on top of that it is a better idea to use than a poly finish if you ever plan on taking the finish off at some point and changing the color. It takes a lot more to get the poly off than Tung Oil. Another upside to Tung Oil is that you can always come back across with a fresh coat at anytime to give the shine a more vibrant look. |
I just did a M1 carbine stock this way and I would avoid the spray on polyurethane finish. It doesn't go on as well IMO. I'd just stick with the brush on type. |
Citris Strip will take it off. Spray it on let it sit over night. Maybe do a 2nd coat the next day. On spraying it on. It's best to sand between coats. Edited to add, on those Ironwood stocks, I'd go with the hand rubbed finish. Save the Polyurithane for redoing Romanian stocks. 
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Minwax makes a stain and poly in one step. www.minwax.com/products/one_step_stain_and_finishes/polyshades.cfm Just choose the color and apply per instructions. If you only apply two coats it will only take 6 hours + a days or so of drying/curing. I can't speak for the quality of the finish though. |
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For a fast but good job, the Minwax Polyshades work well. Thin with about 3% or so mineral spirits to improve brushing and use a good quality brush. As with most finishes, STIR IT THOROUGHLY. Much of the pigment and components settle on the bottom and need a good stirring. Usually, three coats is enough, and it's usable within 24 hours, but is better to allow it to cure for 2 to 3 days before heavy use. Another method is to stain the stock with a water-based wood stain like Birchwood-Casey Walnut stain, then brush on three coats of Clear Satin Polyurethane. The Gloss Poly is TOO glossy. The various oils are great, but take a while. Most military AK's have a shellac or varnish coating, so the Poly finishes look authentic. |
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