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Most Online9,918 Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 144
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 144 |
I like the way old checkering looks on fine shotguns but I do not know if the manufacturer stained the checkering or if its from the age and use of the gun. Anyone here intentionally darkened checkering? If so, with what?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19 |
Bill, I've used the Dembarts checkering oil which darkens it considerably, but not black.
I'm suspicious that you may be seeing years of hand oils and dirt.
You might try a sample piece of wood with some black or dark brown shoe polish (the new cream style) so you might be able to remove most of it if it's not to your liking (another part of the sample "test").
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 144
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Chuck, I think you are right. I know Turnbull does something to the checkering but exactly what remains a mystery. I dont mind experimenting. My neighbor calls me "the mad scientist". 
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,307 Likes: 613
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,307 Likes: 613 |
I've had excellent results darkening stocks and checkering with carbon. I get my smoke pot rolling and have at it. Wipe of the excess with a brush or a cotton rag. I just used this technique combined with solar lux stain to create that 100 year old look, and the dark finish helps to hide my wood repair. Steve
Firearms imports, consignments
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,883 Likes: 19 |
Ya know, as part of getting "the look", dulling down the checkering peaks or not pointing them up in the first place, will go a long way in making the checking look "vintage".
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 12
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 12 |
Much of the "black" in old checkering washes out with soap'n water and a brush. New guns do not have that black checkering. So, I conclude that Chuck is right. For freshly cut checkering, any wood stain should darken it. For sealed/finished checkering, per Chuck, darkly stained wax should do the job by filling it to resemble much older checkering.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,941 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,941 Likes: 19 |
I prefer the darker looking checkering also and have noticed when i recut old checking and reoil it that it stills looks a lot better that new checkering on new stock. SKB you smoke the checkering to darken it and then apply oil on it? Does finish seal the checkering so smoke does not come off on your hands? Thanks, Bobby
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 211
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Posts: 211 |
I haven't tried it but black artist oil paint (linseed based) should give the effect of year of built up dirt/oil. Rub into the checkering then wipe off excess with a rag. If there's still too much in the checkering, use a tooth brush to reduce the build up.
Tact is for those not clever enough to be sarcastic
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