[captainstormy]

I'm just wondering if anyone here has ever refinished their AK wood stocks?

I'm thinking a deep red, something like the traditional Russian look. I've never really done any wood work before but I'm fairly handy so I'm sure I can do it.

Online I've basically seen everyone say the process is:

1. strip and sand existing wood. Mines just a WASR-10/63 so this should be really simple. I also want to get a Rommy G lower handguard at some point so that will actually need some stripping later.

2. Stain wood.

3. Apply wax

I've seen recommendations for the stain vary widely. Everything from Red Koolaid and Red Food Color all the way to the actual red wood stains they sell in stores.

I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were?

[tobias boon]

I would like to fix up my ugly Draco wood. I want to find some nice swelled grips. I. Keep spending my firearms funds on ammo. So....

[captainstormy]

Well, I've got plenty of ammo on hand already but I really don't want to deal with all the crowds at the rifle range this summer so I figured I'd do a couple things I've been meaning to do for a while like refinish the wood, track down a rommy G lower hand guard and get some better sights.

I think I'll probably just get one of the actual wood stains to use. Thou I will say there were some pictures I ran across where a guy used the McCormick red food coloring and his stocks looked great afterwards.

[carloglock19]

I used some RIT dye (red) and some stain I picked up at Lowes, a few coats light sanding and then clear coated it with some more light sanding and final coat. My results were a red/plum color. Easy to accomplish just make sure you take your time and rub the dye in until you find results you want.

[carloglock19]

Originally Posted by carloglock19

I used some RIT dye (red) and some stain I picked up at Lowes, a few coats light sanding and then clear coated it with some more light sanding and final coat. My results were a red/plum color. Easy to accomplish just make sure you take your time and rub the dye in until you find results you want.

P. S.
Forgot to add: I sanded and prepped the wood before hand.

[CarlosC]

I've done quite a few varying from simply rubbing with bee's wax to full-on strip and refinish.
Here's my Bulgarian milled. The stock set is an original 50's set that was three mismatched types of wood in different colors.
The mixing stick...


Close-up...


Here's my other Bulgarian (stamped) that started as a Hungarian unfinished kit...


After...

[CarlosC]

My Egyptian, complete strip and refinish...




Yugo, strip, boil, stain and wax

[captainstormy]

Nice looking jobs

Makes me want to do it even more. I think I'll pick up some scrap wood and test a few stains first to see which shade I like best.

[CarlosC]

Thanks, and you can test stain on the inside of the handguards and the back of the stock, under the cap, btw. If you don't like the way it looks, who cares, it's in a hidden spot.

[Joshhtn]

That Egyptian set is beautiful, Carlos! Great job!

[Cannonball]

I had one but sold it. I had planned on refinishing, but tried sanding the finish lightly first then hit it with steel wool. Ended up with a really nice satin finish and the wood looked great. Saved a lot of extra work.

[Ballistic]

I used Minwax red mahogany mixed with a little tester's flat red model paint on my Maadi. Testing it on the inside of the HG's like CarlosC says is the way to go.

[NW-Warlord]

I always strip stocks with oven cleaner. It takes it to raw wood, and opens up the wood to accept stain better. Sand the stock until it is smooth (usually 3-500 grit for final sanding), use some steel wool to get rid of any 'hairs' left. Wipe down with a clean cloth to get rid of any dust. On my AK's I use China Red stain (not sure if it is Valspar or Minwax) Lowes carries it. Then finish off with TruOil.