Back on the old MT site I had a topic about giving 'Ole Betsy' a face lift, my 336 .35 Rem. It seems her beauty had faded a bit after years of dedicated service.
After last years deer season I went to my local gunshop and picked up a Stock Refinishing Kit marketed by True-Oil.
I started the project around the end of Jan. and finished with it last weekend (Easter). I wanted to take my time, regardless how long it took. I didn't take any shortcuts since I did it step-by-step in my spare time.
I am pleasantly surprised at the outcome. After chemically removing the old finish, which I wanted to do to keep the sanding to a minimum, and using the products in the Kit, 'Ole Betsy' looks like new.
One of the tips I got back on MT suggested using a damp cottonball and a steam iron to raise the grain in the little dings. That tip also worked out very well. All the dings are almost invisible.
The last step I must complete is polishing a Satin finish on it. I have the buttstock complete.
I am not one to give free advertising to any product but the kit True-Oil puts out does a fine job. They do their part, and with the directions provided, it's almost 'stupid-proof'.
The one thing I would suggest is using a chemical stripper to remover the old finish. It saves alot of time and doesn't result in rounded edges, which is a tell-tale sign of the quality of work done by the user.