Log In
December 1, 2012
Offline
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
Offline
Decent article in the latest edition of the collector magazine
June 11, 2014
Offline
Mike, that article was more than decent …. it was highly informative and much appreciated. Excellent job!
December 1, 2012
Offline
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
Offline
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…
1 Guest(s)
