Gun Stock Finish

[ike]

I was advised by an old gun builder and given a formula for a stock finish. I have lost the formula. My memory was one third bees wax, one third gum spirits turpentine, and one third murphy's oil soap. you melt this in a double boiler and mix together. The result is almost the constancy of a paste wax. He told me that this was how many old guns were finished. It has served me well for many years but I need to make a new batch. I need someone to confirm my formula or give me the correct ingredients and ratios. Thanks in advance

 

[Flintandsteel]

Everyt sounds great except the Murphy’s oil soap. You need some type of oil FINISH. A varnish of some sort to make that work.
Soap is NOT a finish.

 

[cannonball1]

Here is my recipe given to me by an very old gunsmith. New finish: First three coats is 50% turpentine and 50% linseed. After that 30% bees wax, 30% turpentine, and 40% linseed. Rub it in and polish. Dings don't show up as much and it is really water resistant. As with most of this type of formula you have to upkeep it from time to time by applying and polishing.

 

[rusty]

I have tried equal amounts of BLO Turpentine and Spar varnish and was a beautiful finish.

 

[MrMackc]

Everyt sounds great except the Murphy’s oil soap. You need some type of oil FINISH. A varnish of some sort to make that work.
Soap is NOT a finish.

Talk about all of the "stuff" you use for stock finish, I will keep on using my first good finish TruOil Beechwood Casey stock finish with Tung oil, works for me.

 

[Erzulis boat]

This is the recipe for a gun finish that was given to me by an old time gun builder-

12% BLO
23% Turpentine
16% Shellac
21% Beeswax
9% Dish soap (Dawn is ok, but Ajax is better)
19% Naptha
6% Fish oil