Author Topic: GSI Black/Gray Laminates Finishing (Read 710 times)

knight0334 · « **on:** March 08, 2010, 05:38:44 AM »

Howdy all..

Since I am recently "singled" again, I now have time for my winter project. I just ordered the black/gray lams from GSI, target/varmint forearm and high roll-over buttstock. After pulling the trigger on the purchase it dawned on me that I've never finished laminates before. ...so, here's the $60K question - whats the best way to bring out the contrast in laminate colors, and to provide a deep sheen?

The walnut set I got off of Tim 3 or so years ago I used a Tung oil finish on, which gave it a deep glossy finish. ...but I'm leery to using that on this due to it possibly discoloring the gray/silver of the lams.

Thanks,
Robert
~knight0334

Spanky · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2010, 06:43:36 AM »

A good oil finish will brighten up the colors nicely. I refinished a lam stock set with BLO and it turned out great. Thin the BLO and it's easier to work with.

Spanky

reclusej · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2010, 02:34:50 PM »

Hey Robert, I just finished a laminate stock. It is from Boyds. Bottom is no finish at all but it is nutmeg. Top one is finished with 2 coats of Minwax Wood Finish Clear Natural and 2 coats of Minwax Clear Shield Satin. All wiped on with a rag. I'm thinking a third coat of the Shield. Then a coat of Minwax paste Finishing Wax. Rubbed on and buffed off by hand. As you can see it really gets dark just with clear finishes. Good luck with yours. reclusej

Spanky · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2010, 03:36:51 PM »

The lam stock set that I did with BLO didn't get dark like that. The colors really brightened up and the finish was glossy.

Spanky

Spanky · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2010, 03:49:11 PM »

I definitely wouldn't use the Minwax after seeing that stock. There is no shine to it and it's way too dark. A good oil finish would have really brought out the color of the wood and added a nice deep shine to it. I think I'll stick to what works...BLO or tung oil.

Spanky

reclusej · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2010, 03:53:08 PM »

Laminate stock after it was finished with a coat of Minwax Finishing Wax. As for the dark color, I needed to try to the match it to the schnabel forend that was on the weapon. I think it has a nice sheen. To each his own. I will post the rifle when I put it all together. reclusej

semperfi1970 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2010, 11:00:01 AM »

Here is a Boyds finished with tru oil.

dave29 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2010, 02:19:08 PM »

GSI? Do they have a web site that I can look at?

Daman · « **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2010, 02:20:52 PM »

www.gunstocksinc.com

dave29 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 14, 2010, 02:25:59 PM »

Cool, thanks!

reclusej · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2010, 08:41:58 AM »

Nice job Semperfi. I will try Tru Oil next time I do a stock.
reclusej

mrcoolid · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2010, 03:23:48 PM »

hey reclusej

I like that color... It looks very nice...

Thanks for sharing your pic..

Mike

gcrank1 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2010, 05:05:46 PM »

For about 30yrs now Ive been using a 'pre-treatment' that I mixed up. It lets me work a stock, get some oil in it, use it and do any fine tuning, etc. until Im ready to topcoat. Some of the projects have taken some years to finish and have never had a 'blending' problem after skinning off some wood here or there.
I like to heat the wood a bit to open the pores, dollop this on and hand rub in. Really saturate end grain to help seal.
Basically it started out with 50/50 oderless mineral spirits (turpentine would work too) with BLO. Over time Ive added some left over Tung Oil and LinSpeed Oil, some True Oil before it went gummy, etc. These just 'richened' the mix.
It really brings out the natural beauty of any wood and provides a perfect oil finish alone after repeated coats, or a perfect base under True Oil or even Poly.
After rubbing in I like to hang a stock by a cord outside in the sun and let it twist & dry. It seems that the sun rays really sets the stuff in a way that inside heat cant.