Repairing scratches in wood?

G

getfoxy

New member
I managed to put 3-4 really good scratches into the stock on one of my CZs this afternoon. I generally don't mind a few but these are more than noticeable. What do you do to repair scratches? Thought about taking it to a smith to let him get them out. Is there anything I can do to fix it?

It may not look so bad in the pics but in person it's driving me bonkers.


 
A damp cloth and an Iron (for clothing). Lay it over the scratch ,do each one at a time. Then use the iron to heat up the cloth and stock. It will steam the wood and swell it up. Do a little at a time and keep checking it will even out them out. Then if needed ,using super fine sand paper , sand . Touch it up with stain and or finish.

Most of the time dents don't need more than a lil steaming. Deeper scratches need some finish work.

You can practice on any old piece of wood finished or not, before doing the stock. Ad your own dents if needed..lol
 
You would call these dents? I had thought about the iron trick but I thought these might qualify as a deep scratch or gouge?

Suggestions on stain and finish?
 
They don't look bad at all from here. Walnut or Birch, thinking walnut ? If it's just natural walnut , I'd just use some rubbing oil like, Tru oil or even some linseed if you have it. Birch will need some stain to match.
 
Could not remember his handle lol. I haven't been on in awhile. I'll give him some time to chime in then I'll give him a buzz.

Preciate it
 
Clean the area with degreaser and 0000 steel wool. Use some Watco water base stain to fill the color voids. Then apply a couple layers (whole stock) of Tung Oil or similar to seal it all. This will tone them down considerably, but not fill them. I could deal with scratches in the wood with color matching...jmo.
 
First it's pretty tires, then pretty guns.... Next thing you know you're shaving your beard and wearing capri pants.

-uncle si
 
I put some scratches in by Rem 700 30.06 Deluxe while hunting. That is what hunting rifles are for. They are tools....I was PO at first, then just kept shooting and cleaning....after a while those scratches faded away and the patina over shadowed the scratches. It builds character. Unless your rifle is a safe queen, wear and tear are part of the sport. I bet it still shoots good! That's what matters to me. If you don't want dings or dents or scratches, dont hunt with it, wrap it in bubble wrap, put it the safe and forget its there....Just like when I got my New Jeep, afraid of door dings and chips in the paint from road wear.....after the first time I gave it "Desert Pin Striping" Now the top is off, doors are off, twigs and crap and tree sap all over it and in it....it is a tool. If it bothers you that much, call "The Guy" and have him fix it. If you use this rifle often, this wont be the last time you mar it.
 
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While stuff does happen and stuff gets scratched, there's nothing wrong with trying to take care of your stuff. It's called pride of ownership and it often pays off down the line if or when it becomes time to sell. Some people take pride in having nice stuff, and some take pride in trashing nice stuff. I have friends of both types and it's all good with me and I wouldn't tell them to change.

Now as for the scratches, great advice has been given here. Iron out any dents, degrease, buff with super fine steel wool, stain and apply an oil finish. Be good as new. Wood stocks are easy. It's the scratches on scope tubes and other metal parts that bum me out.
 


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