I've stripped a laminate stock and ready to add finish. I'm looking for recommendations on how to refinish it. It's blue and gray and I'd prefer something that doesn't yellow with age.Thanks
Water based finishes on light woods like maple,ash,poplar maintain the light color without ever becoming amber like oil based finishes. HOWEVER on dark woods like walnut,mahogany,shedua,cherry it is never going to POP the grain. General Finishes recommends if you want to use water based finish you should first POP the grain with something like Linseed oil or their oil base finish and let it dry a long time. Then apply the clear water based finish.I'm pretty sure water based finish on vivid colors of a laminate would also need the first coat to be oil based also to enhance the colors.Easy to test in the inletted areas of the stock.As a side note, Theoben used to sell their stocks with epoxy finishes. This is the only finish that is resistant to DEET in insect repellents. It also stops water and water vapor from entering the wood best of all finishes. This was tested by Finewoodworking magazine. The West System sells good products if you choose this method. I have used their products on a wood canoe and paddles that I made years ago. Lathe turners can make wooden plates and finish with epoxy and put in the dishwasher..For rifles I would recommend a much less expensive product sold by General Finishes. Their water based finish is considered best of the best. Don't forget to POP the grain first with Linseed Oil.I am a retired woodshop teacher.DonC