FrankF70

I've about talked myself into refinishing a shotgun stock. Have done several stocks in the past, but none were checkered. I'm not sure how to do these areas.

I want to take off the old, I repeat OLD, finish & apply new. Any advice would be appreciated

joelo

If the checkering is in good condition, just work around it and put very little (one layer) of whatever oil/product you use to finish the rest of the stock so everything looks the same.

If the checkering is bad... I once did new checkering by hand and is lots of work and you need to be very careful.

ironhat

I'm familiar with FrankF70's theory that you stay completely clear of the checkering and that is a valid method for preserving some perfect checkering. Another choice for removing the topcoat without endangering the checkering is to use a stripper (there are citrus and soy based products which really work but you have to leave them on as recommended for them to do their best work). First, remove the bulk of the gooey residue with a plastic dental tool or a piece of wood such as cut from a popsicle stick. The second removal should be a toothbrush and a new toothbrush. They have the best structure to get between the checkering and if you choose a store brand you keep the cost down. Following the package instructions you might be doing the final cleaning with water and the stripper or without the stripper.

azraptorman

Have used the toothbrush as mentioned also.