Problem with refinishing a birch stock

[mikepro8]

One of my CMP M1's came with a birch stock. I didn't like the look of it, so I stripped it down, made sure it dried out then over about a week put a few applications of boiled linseed oil into it. The wood soaked it right up as it should.

As a finishing touch, I wanted to put a Tung Oil Finish on it. (I know, not original to the gun, but I shoot it in competition regularly, so I don't mind the little bit of hardness in the finish). After a few applications and very light steel wooling after drying between applications, there are two spots where the finish won't adhere to - the pistol grip and the tang right behind the receiver.

Any suggestions?

[LastManOut]

Are both areas the end grain of the wood? I believe they are. You may want to try a spray or a light wipe-on/brush on polyurethane varnish to seal the wood from bleeding out the linseed oil at those spots.

I am no expert on this, and without seeing the stock, that is my best guess.

[BandanaBandit1]

Are you sure those spots dont have any of the old finish still their? that may be your problem. maybe try steaming it real quick?

[mikepro8]

Its almost as if the wood is HARDER in those places... I can put the Tung Oil Finish on and literally watch it disappear in 30 seconds or so - it just doesn't want to stick around on those two spots.

As to "end grain" - that may be the problem. I may have to find a light varnish like you suggested.

Also, if I get a chance I will post a pic or two tomorrow.

[wa3ra]

If it is end grain, you might try putting a few coats of clear sealer on , let it soak in so that the tung oil has something to stop it from soaking into the full length of the wood.

[kbcobra26]

I've had the "end grain" problem happen to me as well but on a Nagant..