Cleaning wood?

[Jay Gardner]

What should I use to deeply clean a stock? Primarily interested in cleaning the checkering and getting any grime off of the finish without damaging the finish.

Thank you,


JDG

[Andrew Clark]

Jay,

I use a product called Formby's build up remover. It removes wax and dirty build up with no evidence of any harm to the finish on my guns.

[Brian Dudley]

As far as solvents go, mineral spirits is about as gentle as you can go without chancing any damage to the original finish. Anything stronger will compromise the original finish, which is likely shellac.

[Andrew Clark]

As far as solvents go, mineral spirits is about as gentle as you can go without chancing any damage to the original finish. Anything stronger will compromise the original finish, which is likely shellac.

Interestingly enough, as Brian stated above, the Formby's SDS lists the ingredients as 94.08% Mineral Spirits, 4.98% Paraffin Oil, and .93% Odorant (pleasant mint scent).

[Brian Dudley]

I will add that the Birchwood Casey product called Stock Sheen and conditioner can also be very good at cleaning and brightening up old finishes. But, it IS a rubbing compound basically, so caution should be taken when using it.