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December 1, 2012
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Does anyone out there have any experience with refinishing old stocks with Alkanet colored oil?
I’m currently experimenting with my own mix of 50% pure tung oil and 50% pure mineral spirits. I pour this mixture into a 1oz. glass jar and add 1/2 teaspoon of powdered alkanet root. After sitting overnight this mixture has a nice wine color to it. I’ve read on some internet discussions that people have heated their formulas and let them sit for 2 weeks before using, plus have strained the mixture before application. I’m having no trouble getting a good color to the mix overnight. Also, since I’m not using any varnishes, lacquers or shellacs I’ve not tried to strain the powder residue from my mix as I hand rub the stock a few hours after each coat is applied.
So far, my first project has 2 coats and is starting to look like what I imagine the old stocks looked like when new.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
January 24, 2013
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Decent article in the latest edition of the collector magazine
June 11, 2014
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Mike, that article was more than decent …. it was highly informative and much appreciated. Excellent job!
December 1, 2012
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Ditto: that’s where I first heard of alkanet but I am trying to come up with a pure oil finish without varnishes, lacquers or shellacs. So far this has been my only other source:
http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=215
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
January 24, 2013
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Try steeping alkanet root in denatured alcohol. The alcohol will not raise the grain, dries quickly and penatrates fairly well. Or the more traditional method, use sprit alcohol (everclear), a little on the stock, a little for the finisher…
