[marlin97]

I'm waiting to pick up a new old 39A. ;-)
One thing I know it needs is a little loving care on the wood. It looks like there is a varnish finish? And that it is cracking a bit and worn through in some areas. I do NOT want to strip any of the old finish off or refinish the rifle. Any tips on treating the wood for best appearance and conservation?

Thank you,
Carl

 

[Schtoolee]

I would just use some furniture wax.

 

[48vintage]

MinWax Wood-Sheen

 

[Michaels]

I've used butchers wax. It works better on some finishes than others though.

 

[JBledsoe]

.

Howard's Feed and Wax.....nothing else.

 

[marlin97]

Here's another good pic I found of the issue.

 

[JBledsoe]

.

Hey Marlin97,

You may want to do a light sanding to smooth things up.....not down to bare wood but just smooth it out to your satisfaction. Then apply a coat of MinWax Wipe-Poly polyurethane by hand....just like applying an oil finish. When it dries apply another coat. When that dries rub it down with #0000 steel wool. Continue that process until the desired look is achieved. I prefer the clear satin finish, it can be made to look like a fine oil finish yet is far tougher and easy to repair.

 

[half cocked]

sanding of some kind is a must, as the sanding marks will help give the new coat something to anchor itself to. This IS just a band aid though, as you will have to do a total refinish soon.

if ya ever have to try and match the stain on your furniture, I have always just put some steel wool in a can of white vinegar, and let it set over night, and the mixture turns into the most beautiful walnut like stain you can imagine

 

[JBledsoe]

.

Is that called "Rust-o-leum" stain?

:biggrin: :biggrin: