Opinions on Stock finishes and finishing

[ka0811]

So I'll be getting a laminate stock from dima rs shortly and was wondering what you guys like to use for finish? And maybe what your process is?
I have a good amount of experience using oil finishes on traditional gun stocks not so much for clear coats. My neighbor has a paint shop so will have access to sprayer etc if I'm going that route. Just looking for some guidance and if there's any pitfalls I should be cautious and avoid.

Thanks in advance

 

[Preacher]

Laminates don't take all that well to a oil finish..
Clear coat is the way to go....

 

[ka0811]

Yeah that's why I was asking. Was more just stating my previous experience. I'm curious what products guys are using, and type of application.

 

[CharlieNC]

Laminates don't take all that well to a oil finish..
Clear coat is the way to go....

I just finished a laminate that I sealed with three thin coats of wipe on PU, then top coats of Arrow wood. Turned out nice with a slick glass appearance, but not thick looking as epoxy.

 

[B Nettesheim]

Simtech products

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

I just finished a laminate that I sealed with three thin coats of wipe on PU, then top coats of Arrow wood. Turned out nice with a slick glass appearance, but not thick looking as epoxy.

Epoxy doesn't HAVE to look thick. The low viscosity versions will soak in really deep, and last coats can be wiped on a bit like wiping varnish(just not nearly as forgiving, as it builds very quickly, no shrinkage).
It really is tough to see the difference between it and something like the "oil" finishes, ie; timberluxe, arrow wood, etc.
It's just a much tougher finish, won't scuff and scratch so easily.
I've been using System Three Clear Coat for about 6 years and couldn't be happier with the results.

 

[ka0811]

Interesting. What types of epoxies? I have only ever used like deacon for bedding or 5min types. Do you do any sanding or polishing between coats or on the last coat? Apologize for all the questions.

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

SystemThree Clear Coat is the product I use.
I apply it somewhat like you would Truoil or wiping varnish. Warm the stock up and really soak it for the first coat. Sand it down. Wipe on coats, getting them thinner as the pores fill. It cures fairly slowly unless you have it someplace warm.
I sand out defects between coats, and once I have a decent film build, I scrub it with a 2500 grit scouring pad(sorry, can't remember the brand).

 

[Walt Krafft]

Send it to Bc'z. He will put a finish to it that will be stunning.

 

[LVLAaron]

DIY answer is - A coat of total boat penetrating epoxy. Then some coats of Spraymaxx 2k clear, sand w/ 1500 and then polish.

 

[danny]

Laminates don't take all that well to a oil finish..
Clear coat is the way to go....

What happens when you oil finish a laminate?

Danny

 

[ronemus]

Laminates tend to use woods with large pores (often birch), so there is more to fill than on typical woods used in stocks such as walnut.

 

[Preacher]

What happens when you oil finish a laminate?

Danny

It's just the glue they use to bond the pieces that don't want to bond with the oil's..

 

[ka0811]

So the stock he's sending has a colored resin or epoxy section on it. It's not too large, couple inches long by 1in maybe. Should i be concerned about putting any of these finishes over the top of it? Or any special prep work. So far I'm leaning towards using the either the SystemThree clear or total boat penetrating epoxies.

 

[Bc'z]

So the stock he's sending has a colored resin or epoxy section on it. It's not too large, couple inches long by 1in maybe. Should i be concerned about putting any of these finishes over the top of it? Or any special prep work. So far I'm leaning towards using the either the SystemThree clear or total boat penetrating epoxies.

I'm guessing when you refer to laminate your talking about actual boards of nice wood, not the multiple thin layers most of us usually refer to as laminate.
The epoxy resin was my clue..
@Walt Krafft thaks bud!
@B Nettesheim yes sir!!

 

[Bc'z]

So the stock he's sending has a colored resin or epoxy section on it. It's not too large, couple inches long by 1in maybe. Should i be concerned about putting any of these finishes over the top of it? Or any special prep work. So far I'm leaning towards using the either the SystemThree clear or total boat penetrating epoxies.

I have a Dima coming after BSWN that I will be stripping total boat off of stock

 

[ka0811]

Yeah, it's a walnut and maple laminate. And yes they are thicker. Any reason. Your stripping the total boat? Since you have experience with Dima stocks, what's your opinion for a Diy project? I'm also not opposed to having the work done but I enjoy doing these things myself.

 

[Oleg S]

Yeah, it's a walnut and maple laminate. And yes they are thicker. Any reason. Your stripping the total boat? Since you have experience with Dima stocks, what's your opinion for a Diy project? I'm also not opposed to having the work done but I enjoy doing these things myself.

Send it to BC’z
Attached pictures of DIY (light colored) and after Brett refinished my Dima stocks.

 

[Bc'z]

Yeah, it's a walnut and maple laminate. And yes they are thicker. Any reason. Your stripping the total boat? Since you have experience with Dima stocks, what's your opinion for a Diy project? I'm also not opposed to having the work done but I enjoy doing these things myself.

I'll be stripping it for dye application.
I'm sure it's a good product, I've never used it. The project I'll be doing was a DIY project, it's a beautiful stock that will be fun to finish once stripped.

 

[wildcatter]

Sand ending with 800 grit, spray with Deft defthane exterior spray polyurethane. This stock is birch with three coats, sand between coats and use a tack cloth, I make mine lightly misting a terrycloth shop towel and using it.

these are done with zsatin, i like the more natural Satin look on wood, to me the gloss makes it more ofaSynthetic look. But they offer both Gloss and Satin, good stuf, durrable and last and holds up with a little solvent contact.