We're doing a laminated stock set.
Once I get the wood shaped the way I want such as finger grooving the grip, checking the fit of the stock or grip to the frame, and forearm to the barrel I will start my sanding.
The 1st sanding will be with 80 grit paper, sanding with the grain, with the recoil pad on the stock. Do not remove the pad until ready to apply finish; this will keep the edges from rolling over.
The 2nd sanding will be with 120 grain paper
The 3rd sanding will be with 220 grit paper.
Now for the 4th sanding, for this we will want the recoil pad removed. I take Formby’s Furniture Finish in high gloss, and in a shallow dish mix a little 50/50 with mineral sprits. You will need a pair of latex gloves for this next sanding. Cut several 2”X2” strips 320 grit wet dry paper and dip it into the mixture and sand this into the wood. It will make a mud with the sanding. Once the entire stock is sanded rub this mud into the grain of the wood with the gloved hands and let dry for 24hrs. Do the same for the forearm.
5th- I will take #0000 steel wool and rub the stock and forearm to remove dried mixture from the wood. Rub the wood until the color is good and the surface is smooth.
6th- Now we will apply the Formby’s with a lint free cloth, do not worry about a run if you get one. Let dry 24hrs and apply another coat. Let this coat dry 24hrs. Again take the #0000 steel wool and rub the stock all the way back to the wood. What this is doing is filling the grain in the wood. Once will usually do it, but this can be repeated as many times as needed or you would like.
7th- Now we do not want any runs so use the Formbys sparingly, a small amount will go a long ways, apply a coat and wait 24hrs. Then apply another coat, wait 24hrs. You can do this as many times as you would like. This step will usually take at least 5 coats, more if you would like. With each coat it will cover more area with less finish and become shinier. If you do get a run let dry and buff off with the steel wool.
8th- After the last coat dries for 24hrs apply a quality paste wax, such as MINWAX paste wax. Now install the recoil pad back on the stock and you should have a beautiful high gloss finish. For a low gloss finish buff the shine off with the steel wool and then wax. For a satin finish buff the shine off with the steel wool and do not apply wax.
If you have any problems, let me know and I will be glad to help. If you need to know how to cut the finger grooves give me a shout and I will help you there.
TCDave