how to get that commie looking red wood stain

[Ekie]

We had a member ask about this last week. I promised to address this question when ak-47.net was up so I could do a search and find a older post of mine on the subject. Below is a copy of that post.

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[Ekie]

This is top secret stuff here. It took me over six years to match original Soviet red colored wood. So dont tell anybody.
I remove the old finish with a paint/stain/finish remover. Then smooth out with 0000 steel wool. Then wash the part with dishwater soap and let dry. At this point you shake a dead chicken (just had to throw in some humor sorry).

Now comes the staining, and a potential problem. I found some QRB wood stain at a garage sale. It is a it that contains many different colored dyes. I dont know if they are still in business, the info on the can is:

3139 U.S. 31 North
Niles MI 49120
(616) 683-7908

I take the pure red dye and mix with paint thiner (the original mix solution has evaperated). You apply this dye very sparingly just enough to get the red tint you are looking for. Then I apply MINIWAX red mahogany 225 Wood Finish. You wipe on let sit for five minutes then wipe off. Let dry for four hours and repeat until it looks "right".

After you get the stain how you want it let dry for at least eight hours. Then finish off with RED DEVIL laquer spray. Apply at least three coats waiting four hours in between coats. Thats it. Have fun.


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[Ekie]

Some more thoughts;

I use the lacquer spray because it is easy to strip off if you decide that you do not like it. It also looks right. You could use a poly finish if you want it to be permanent.

Before I went to chemical stripping I tried sanding. Do not sand, unless you feel that your hand guards or butt stock is to large or heavy.

I will call the maker of the dye to see if the number is any good when I get a chance.

Tantal does some work in this area, and may have some tips. Sense he does this for profit I would understand him not wanting to give up his trade secrets.


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[ED4x]

Cool idea thanks for telling http://www.ak47forums.com/smile.gif

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[Ekie]

I called QRB today. They are sending me a price list. Well let you guys know what all they have when I get it in.

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[AKDUDE47]

update?

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[Ekie]

Yeah, this does need updating. I stained some wood that came out real nice last night. I have improved on the above instructions.

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[Ekie]

The stuff to order is #QRBST and it is $13.25 delivered. Mix up at least two yellow tablets for every red. If you get to much stain or too much red clean up with a pure yellow mix. This will give you the color you need. You may need to use the MINIWAX to get a darker and more muted value. Another tip is to use a coat hanger ran through the cleaning rod hole in the lower handguard to hold it while you work on it.

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