How to Refinish a Stock in a Satin Finish

Use eggshell lacquer for a satin finish on a gunstock.

Satin gun stocks feel good in your hands. They reduce reflectiveness and actually make the stock more camouflaged. Satin stocks resist scratches better than high-gloss lacquers and satin wears well over the years. For the best satin finish, woodworkers use eggshell lacquer. It dries to a dull, soft texture that is durable and is a step above commercial satin lacquer products. It's user-friendly and nearly foolproof. It won't show drips or runs as easily as higher gloss lacquers.

Things You'll Need

• 80-grit sandpaper
• 100-grit sandpaper
• 120-grit sandpaper
• Aerosol eggshell lacquer
• 180-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Sand the stock by hand with 80-grit sandpaper to remove any existing varnish. Sand with strokes parallel to the grain until the stock is down to bare wood without any shiny spots, edges or blotches.

2. Resand with 100-grit sandpaper followed by a final sanding with 120-grit sandpaper. Hang the stock by a wire or string so that it is chest high.

3. Spray the stock with a light coat of eggshell aerosol lacquer. Hold the can 8 inches from the stock and shoot short bursts of lacquer as you sweep the can over it. Walk around it spraying so that the lacquer enters the profile of the stock at all the angles. Shoot lacquer onto the bottom and top of the stock until the stock has an even, wet appearance.

4. Sand the stock by hand with 180-grit sandpaper. Sand the entire stock until it has a light-white powder on it. Don't remove the powder. It aids in curing subsequent coats.

5. Repeat Step 3 twice.

Tips & Warnings

• If your stock still has a barrel and magazine, tape them off with masking tape or remove them before refinishing. Spray sparingly at first. If you are unsure about spraying, shoot some lacquer on a scrap piece of wood to check lacquer flow and pattern.

• If you shoot too much lacquer in one spot and it runs slightly, wipe it off with your fingertip as soon as you see it.