wax removal

[Brent Francis]

I recently bought a DH 12 ga damascus online and Im very pleased to find out I think its in better condition than what I thought when I bought it. the serial number is 76172. It has 32 inch damascus barrels which still show alot of pattern. a couple of shallow dents I will need to eventually deal with but no pitting. In the short term I would like to remove what appears to be 108 years of paste wax that has filled in the checkering and darkened Any suggestions on something that won't affect the original finish (which seems to have been well preserved by the thick wax). A second question did all Ds come with a skeleton Steel Buttplate back then or was a recoil pad available back then. This came with a "recoil pad" that looked like a sponge with strip of red bootsoul but at the top of the stock is a V shaped inlet that I assume was where the spur of a SSBP would have gone. and yes I am going to order a letter on this one .

[Richard Flanders]

You sure it's wax? I'm not sure what will take wax off short of a pretty strong solvent. Seems most of the guys recommend Murphy's oil soap for cleaning old gunk off stocks and recommend caution, as in first experimenting cautiously on a small area and not just pouring it on and scrubbing away with a scrubby sponge. I have no experience with it so am not the one to instruct, but I'm sure others will chime in here soon.

[Brent Francis]

Im sure at least part of it is wax. probably alot of other stuff too. I will try the murphies on a small area see how it works. thanks

[Smoothebore]

Brent, I'd use Murphy's Oil Soap and a toothbrush. Then wipe it off with a dry damp rag or paper towel. Don't soak it with water, it's not good for the wood. Murphy's will not harm any finish, but there may not be much finish under the old built up gunk. So be prepared that you may have to re-fresh the French Polish finish.

Dave

[Dean Romig]

Dave, if you're saying to use Murphy's straight up, no water, I agree with you. Just use a damp cloth to wipe off the grime and excess when done. I tried it with Murphy's, water and a toothbrush in the checkering and the water lifted the wood fibres a bit.... not a good result.

[Brent Francis]

thanks everyone. I cant believe the amount of junk that was on that old gun. I didnt buy a black parker afterall.

[Austin W Hogan]

Wiping the stock down with a soft rag and mineral spirits or turpentine may get rid of some of the wax and make the clean up easier. Use the paste version of Murphy's, and rub it around with your finger. If you can't get the paste use the liquid sparingly; it's half water. If solid finish remains beneath the grime you will probably need to clean the surface with mineral spirits to make the new finish stick.
If 80 or 90 % 0f the old finish remains, it is sometimes possible to redistribute it with a little alchohol on a rag wrapped around your finger. Don't try this without some practice.
If you do refinish with French Polish and it appears too glossy, it can be rubbed out with a little white mineral oil and rottenstone.

Best, Austin

[Dean Romig]

Mineral spirits or turpentine won't dissolve the original shellac finish?

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Mineral spirits or turpentine won't dissolve the original shellac finish?

That was my question too Dean. Also Austin where do you find the paste Murphy's soap? Eric

[Austin W Hogan]

Turpentine and mineral spirits won't dissolve shellac, but alchohol and warm water will. Tru Value carries Murphy's paste; and least they always have,

Best Austin