removing dark dings?

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FlyFleance	removing dark dings?	Lead	[-]
Posts: 83 (06/04/09 11:56 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Tags : None Asked this question at Gunboards, but got no responses yet. I'm restoring a Crosman 1400 air rifle (no C&R, so no problem with sanding, etc.!) I steamed the dings and sanded, but the dark spots continue to stand out when I wipe the stock down with mineral spirits. There's quite a few compression "bruises" and they really detract, especially since I want to refinish in the original blonde appearance. I even tried wood bleach (oxalic acid). It helped some, but the dark spots are still there! Anyone got any suggestions? Rome, are you still here? Thanks, KH
Cabinetman		#1	[-]
Posts: 5334 (06/08/09 01:06 PM) Host Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I'm here! Just been away with graduations and weddings and all. Those dark spots can be difficult because they are compressed and the wood is holding the debris in the surface more tightly than surrounding woods. You were on the right track with the acid. What I would suggest, however, is that you become more agressive with it. Make up a solution and then use a Que-tip to dip into the acid solution and dab each black spot with the acid. Then let it sit overnight. The acid will need that time to help lighten those areas but won't affect the rest of the surrounding wood. Really wet that tip, too, and don't wipe it off after you apply it, either. Over night the acid solution will penetrate and should lighten those deep areas fairly well. It does require time, however, and overnight should do it. Don't expect instant results. Work on one side and then the other so the dips you work on retain the fluid and it doesn't roll off. Let me know how you make out! Rome A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
FlyFleance		#2	[-]
Posts: 84 (06/29/09 11:28 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Thanks, Rome. I've done two overnight applications to the dark spots. Some have lightened upconsiderably, to the point where I don't think they'll stand out. Others are still dark light brown and quite evident when I wipe the stock with mineral spirits. I think those spots will still be too visible if I stain and finish at this point. I'm wondering if I should try to hid those spots with faux-Finn look. Maybe wipe some darker stain around the dings and blend to imitate that Finn look. It believe it is a beech stock anyway. What do you think? Or should I just cut my losses and finish the stock off in walnut and be done with it? Dang, that's not what I really wanted out of this project, but I'm losing patience and free time to work on it. Also, there's a rodent on the property that needs to be dispatched in a quiet way so as not to distress the neighbor lady!
Cabinetman		#3	[-]
Posts: 5344 (06/29/09 07:14 PM) Host Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Well, if it worked for the other divots, these stubborn ones probably have some extra finish embedded in them and are resisting the "fix". You can try them one last time but if that fails, your idea is a sound one. The old addage in finishing is that if you can't hide it, flaunt it. Giving it the "finn finish" treatment would work to hide them a bit more. Good luck with that project. Patience is the most difficult ingredient for most guys to apply. Rome A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.