Ak 47 stock set finish, what seal to use?

[ProlificARProspect]

I have a Romanian Ak 47 stock set, I' stained the stock with MimWax Dark walnut stain.

Next step is the seal, for the CG AK experts what seal to use and have a high gloss with durable finish?

I looking for something that will hold up to oil, dirt, heat. Had handguards before that became sticky after droping a small amount of oil on them, don't want to see that again.

Thanks.

[Milsurp Collector]

The original/correct wood finish for Soviet block arms (including Mosin Nagants, Russian Capture K98k's, and AKs) from mid-World War II on is shellac. Shellac happens to be impervious to oil and dries to a gloss finish, which is exactly what you said you are looking for. It is also very easy to apply. Here is a Russian Capture K98k with a shellac finish that I applied yesterday. Below it is a Mosin Nagant M44 that also has a shellac finish.



I used the Rockler garnet shellac kit available here http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6548 2 oz. of shellac dissolved in denatured alcohol will refinish several stocks. All you need is some denatured alcohol, a measuring cup, a hammer, a jar to mix the shellac in, a stirring tool, and some paintbrushes.



It's best to mix up and apply shellac on a dry sunny day. Excess humidity or moisture when mixing or applying shellac can make it "blush" (look cloudy). The shellac will dissolve more quickly if you pulverize the flakes first.



Then add the denatured alcohol. I dissolved 2 oz. of garnet shellac flakes in 12 oz. of denatured alcohol to make a "1 1/2 lb. cut".



Stir thoroughly and give the shellac time to dissolve completely.



After the shellac is completely dissolved just brush it on. It dries quickly so it is easy to apply several thin coats. If the final finish is too glossy you can lightly sand it with very fine sandpaper or use fine bronze wool.

More information about shellac on stocks at http://milsurpshooter.net/topic/1658...r-Friends.html

[Anchors]

Nice Milsurp.
Thanks for the photos too, I was interested in this as well.

[ProlificARProspect]

thanks for the nice write up photos, just what I was looking for. I'm going give this a try.

The original/correct wood finish for Soviet block arms (including Mosin Nagants, Russian Capture K98k's, and AKs) is shellac. Shellac happens to be impervious to oil and dries to a gloss finish, which is exactly what you said you are looking for. It is also very easy to apply. Here is a Russian Capture K98k with a shellac finish that I applied yesterday. Below it is a Mosin Nagant M44 that also has a shellac finish.



I used the Rockler garnet shellac kit available here http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6548 2 oz. of shellac dissolved in denatured alcohol will refinish several stocks. All you need is some denatured alcohol, a measuring cup, a hammer, a jar to mix the shellac in, a stirring tool, and some paintbrushes.



It's best to mix up and apply shellac on a dry sunny day. Excess humidity or moisture when mixing or applying shellac can make it "blush" (look cloudy). The shellac will dissolve more quickly if you pulverize the flakes first.



Then add the denatured alcohol. I dissolved 2 oz. of garnet shellac flakes in 12 oz. of denatured alcohol to make a "1 1/2 lb. cut".



Stir thoroughly and give the shellac time to dissolve completely.



After the shellac is completely dissolved just brush it on. It dries quickly so it is easy to apply several thin coats. If the final finish is too glossy you can lightly sand it with very fine sandpaper or use fine bronze wool.

More information about shellac on stocks at http://milsurpshooter.net/topic/1658...r-Friends.html

[Barabas]

Shellac is the only way to get the proper depth and color of the original finish too. You can get seriously nice finishes with shellac and your favorite drying oil, like linseed or tung. Look up French Polish for a way to dress up your AK in shellac like the Russians never did.

[E-120]

I use a Polyurethane finish. Easy to pick up from Home Depot. Paint on and let dry. I usually do 3 coats.
Milsurp, your guns look great.

[ProlificARProspect]

How did that Polyurethane hold up? Before I started this thread, I had originally put 3 coat of poly on the MinWax Dark walnut stain..... and it was good as far as dry time and look... but when I took it to the range i was bad as far as standing up to the heat and oil.

I use a Polyurethane finish. Easy to pick up from Home Depot. Paint on and let dry. I usually do 3 coats.
Milsurp, your guns look great.