Jim,
I just went through this with a Silvers pad from Galazan and I'll try to post some pictures. Before you try this let me tell you my experience: I applied a light coat of varnish and it took a week before it was not sticky to the touch, but it was tacky. Cleaned it off with mineral spirits and started over. Another coat - another week and same thing. Consulted with a friend of mine who works on guns and he suggested Tru-oil. That worked.
My suggestion: 1.) forget about antiquing and just use the gun - the pad will weather and age. 2.) if you want to do something to knock off the look of a new pad put a couple of drops of Tru-oil on each side of the pad and use your finger to run it in. Let it set for 48-hours and do it again (if you want).
My pad now looks like is has seen some honest use but I would not call it antiqued. You can play around by rubbing a little dust onto the pad after you apply the Tru-oil the result of which is to darken the finish.
|