CVA STOCKS

[COTNTOP]

I have ran across a couple CVA Hawken rifles that turned out to be really good shooters. They both have very light yellow colored stocks. What are my options to get them darkened other than using stain? I know stain is an option just wondering if aquafortis or something on that line is available, looking for a miracle worker. THANKS

 

[OldRust]

I have finished & re- finished more than a few of the CVA stocks. I believe they are European beech. I could be wrong on that. Stripped to the bare wood you can make them any color you like with leather stains. I like a reddish brown.

That aside there are varnish’s out there
With the stain built right in them. I’ve used them on house trim. You would need to determine what your finish is now and if compatible experiment on scrap and in the barrel channel. It may even come in a spray now.

Also If you don’t like a shiny finish, when dry buff with 0000 steel wool or scotchbrite and wax

Good luck,
O.R.

 

[wiscoaster]

I've used Transtint dyes to color clear oil finishes (tung oil, boiled linseed oil). The dye is supposedly water-based but it's got some other stuff in it to make it more or less soluble in oil. A few drops go a long way, but I suppose if you try to use too much dye the oil won't take any more. You can affect the top color by using your dyed oil on top of existing finish. Prep the existing finish as you would for any top coat. Prep is important or the oil won't dry and cure properly. You might need to do multiple coats. It's likely to be a lengthy process. As mentioned above, experiment first, if you can, on a spot that can't be seen.

I'm pretty sure both stain (penetrating or gel) and also aquafortis won't work unless you first completely strip the existing finish. The varnish stain mentioned might be a less time and work option. I don't think it gives as nice a finish, as oil, though. But do what works best for you.

 

[rafterob]

The Beech wood on CVA stocks is tough to take on stains. Hence the many recommendations for leather stain, specifically Feibings which is alcohol based. I have redone 3 CVA-Traditions stocks with great results. My first was a Mountain rifle and tried a different water based stain. Ended up sanding it back down because it was splotchy and light and then used Feibings.

 

[tgfrench]

My cva with aqua fortis.

 

[Des52]

I have used minwax dark walnut on beech stocks, CVA and Traditions, with good results for a real dark stock.

 

[wiscoaster]

My cva with aqua fortis.

Nice checkering. Do they come that way, or did you do that? Hard to refinish checkering and keep it nice and crisp, like yours.

 

[tgfrench]

I did checkering after staining. And thanks for the comment.