M14 Forum

Whatsinaname181 · February 10th, 2012, 07:06 PM

Is it possible to sand down and darken them for more of an authentic russian look? they are going on an SGL31-84. They gotta look nice

They look like egyptian maadi handguards. kind of light in color.

going for that mid 1985 look.

Gus Fisher · February 11th, 2012, 03:54 AM

Yes, absolutely and even if they were made from "Chu" wood laminate.

What I do not know is if your stock has had a wax coat on it. If it did, then it needs to be stripped using Acetone or it won't soak up stain properly.

Unless there are some spots you have to fix, I would only use 150 grit sandpaper to prepare the stock.

Go to Number 7. Sealing the stock. and follow the directions there onward. Tandy's leather dye is the best stuff possible to stain the stock just as it is on Chu wood, birch or beech.

Refinishing wooden stocks.

I may be mistaken about this, but I think the Russians used Spar Varnish as their laminate sealer/wood finish. If you want to keep it authentic and use that finish, get a spray can and use ONLY VERY THIN COATS as you build up the finish. LIGHTLY abrade between coats with a Scotchbrite type pad.

Whatsinaname181 · February 11th, 2012, 08:49 AM

Hey thanks Gus, much appreciated.

Whatsinaname181 · February 11th, 2012, 05:59 PM

Hey Gus,

Just to be more specific I want the left two (those are the actual handguards) to look like the rest of peices on the right... especially the last 2.