Part 6: AK-47 Stock Refinish - Staining/Creating Custom Color

Published on October 18, 2011
Duration: 16:49

This guide details the process of refinishing an AK-47 wood stock to achieve a custom color. It covers sanding techniques using specialized pads and steel wool, thorough cleaning with tack cloth, and meticulous taping of fitted areas. The tutorial explains how to apply wood stain for depth and then create a unique finish by mixing Rit Dye with acetone and clear polyurethane.

Quick Summary

Refinishing an AK-47 wood stock involves sanding with flexible pads and 0000 steel wool for smoothness, followed by thorough cleaning with a tack cloth. Custom colors can be achieved by mixing Rit Dye with acetone, filtering the solution, and then combining it with clear semi-gloss polyurethane.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Intro & Wood Prep Overview
  2. 01:09Sanding Techniques with Pads & Steel Wool
  3. 03:11Cleaning Wood with Tack Cloth & Hand Cleaner Tip
  4. 04:37Taping Fitted Areas with Painter's Tape
  5. 05:01Applying Red Mahogany Wood Stain
  6. 07:38Wiping Off Stain & Drying Setup
  7. 09:41Mixing Custom Finish: Rit Dye & Acetone
  8. 10:31Jar Preparation for Dye Mixing
  9. 13:22Filtering Dye Solution
  10. 15:26Combining Dye Solution with Polyurethane
  11. 16:10Final Custom Finish Color
  12. 16:32Next Steps: Applying Finish

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to sand an AK-47 wood stock for refinishing?

For AK-47 wood stocks, use flexible 3M fine and super fine sanding pads to conform to curves without squaring edges. Follow up with 0000 steel wool for an exceptionally smooth finish, ensuring all dust is removed with a tack cloth afterward.

How can I create a custom color for my AK-47 wood stock finish?

You can create a custom color by mixing Rit Dye (like Scarlet Dye) with acetone. Stir the dye into the acetone until dissolved, filter out any crystals, and then combine this solution with clear semi-gloss polyurethane for a unique finish.

What tools are essential for refinishing an AK-47 wood stock?

Essential tools include fine and super fine sanding pads, 0000 steel wool, tack cloth for cleaning, blue painter's tape for masking, cheesecloth for stain application, a glass jar, a filter (like a coffee filter), and the chosen stain and polyurethane.

Why is it important to tape fitted areas on an AK-47 stock before finishing?

Taping fitted areas with blue painter's tape is crucial to prevent stain or finish from adhering to surfaces that have been precisely matched to the rifle. This avoids the need to re-sand and re-fit these areas, saving time and ensuring proper assembly.

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