*UPDATE* Need a tip on how to stain AK furniture *Final pics*

So my WASR came with wood stained furniture that is less than desirable, does anyone have suggestions on how to get that classic AK color? Found some info on the web but I was hoping for a first hand account of the best route to take.
Thanks, W

Get every bit of the old finish off it, and then get a Russian bear to tinkle on it . . ??




Sorry Wiz, just couldn't help myself. It blurted out all by itself! http://www.pic4ever.com/images/122fs329172.gif




Seriously though, I know a bit about wood finishing, I've done a LOT of it. But what I don't know is what type of finish is standard for the AK. Sorry. I knows I's an idjit. :-[

pee on it

Huh, there may actually be something to this urine thing, I'll checking it out! ;D

lolol

I've done some googling on this trying to find a solid answer. Seems two methods of coloring the wood red have gotten the most use:


Liquid RIT dye.


Food coloring.


I even got luck enough to find one thread with both methods and pictures of the results.


http://forum.pafoa.org/rifles-42/129...rial-wasr.html


Hope 'dis helpz. 8)

[quote author=Rumbler link=topic=138.msg1041#msg1041 date=1336073064]
Hope 'dis helpz. 8)
[/quote]

It sure does, thanks Mike! ;D

I just picked up some scarlet Rit. 8)

[quote author=Arcwelder link=topic=138.msg1044#msg1044 date=1336090576]
I would go with tong oil instead of clear coat.
but that is me.
Best luck, waiting for pics.
[/quote]

Yep, I am going with tung oil. ;D

Well here's the before and after pics and I have to say it's a marked improvement from the latter but it's just the first step.
I still need to seal it and that's when it's really going to shine. 8)

It was extremely easy and who woulda thought that $1.99 Rit dye could actually bring out the beauty in an AK? :) But then it brings up that whole 'lipstick on a pig' thing. ::)

Anyway, I'll post the final pic later.

Thanks for the Rit dye suggestion Rumbler! ;D




BEFORE
http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...akstain006.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...akstain008.jpg

AFTER
http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...stain005-1.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...akstain009.jpg

Looks nice!

Is it bad that I like it both ways?

That turned out pretty nice. Congrats, Wiz! ;D

Finally finished and I like it a lot better than the original light blonde wood that came with, although I don't think the rest of family care for this crude European interloper. Not a safe queen by any means but she sure stand out when justaposed to the rest of the safe.

FINAL PICS


http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...kSTAIN2013.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...kSTAIN2019.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...kSTAIN2016.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...kSTAIN2019.jpg

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/...kSTAIN2017.jpg

Is the barrel loose on that AK?


Look at the shiny band around it. Looks to be close tot he hand guard in all the pictures except the first one. In that picture the shiny band is way farther away - out nearer the end of the . . . op rod?

I don't think so Mike but I'll check it out, knowing my luck it's in pieces at the bottom of the safe as we speak. :o

[quote author=Wizard link=topic=138.msg1137#msg1137 date=1336560363]
I don't think so Mike but I'll check it out, knowing my luck it's in pieces at the bottom of the safe as we speak. :o
[/quote]




But . . . you see what I mean, right? That isn't a fig newton of my imagination . . . . . . ? :-[

I do, I haven't been home to check I out yet.
But I would think that I would also see a separation at the area of the gas block as well.
Unless the whole thing is falling apart, which wouldn't surprise me. Damn, cheap, commie crap. ;)

Actually this gun is built pretty damn solid. ;D

That might just be a trick of the flash and the different angles that the photo was taken at.

I wondered at first if it might be oil. But thinking about that, I just couldn't imagine Wiz letting any of that get anywhere near that gun.




. . . I mean look at those other rust buckets, it clearly is not something he is in the habit of using on his firearms. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/4fvfcja.gif




;) :D ;)

Common Wiz, I know you're out there. I've been waiting days for you to smack me in the back of the head.






. . . that's worse than getting smacked in the back of the head. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/balloony.gif

Well, after rushing home. I ran into the house, fumbled with the combination, threw open the safe door and grabbed the rifle. While fully expecting it to fall into a pile of unrecognizable pieces, it turns out it was just an optical illusion...http://forums.digitalwarfare247.com/.../bitchslap.gif

[quote author=Wizard link=topic=138.msg1178#msg1178 date=1336696515]

Well, after rushing home. I ran into the house, fumbled with the combination, threw open the safe door and grabbed the rifle. While fully expecting it to fall into a pile of unrecognizable pieces, it turns out it was just an optical illusion...http://forums.digitalwarfare247.com/.../bitchslap.gif
[/quote]




WHEW! I'd much rather it be an optical delusion than a fig newton of my imagination. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/cancan.gif

Many joked about using urine to color wood, but there is a real such process in the history of furniture making. It is called 'fuming' the wood. It involved putting the piece in a closed container with animal urine in a tray below. I've never done it myself, but imagine there is an airing out process afterwards. If I remember correctly, it was commonly done with oak. I'll see what I can find about the process.

I found info on fuming wood, and it sure looks like that red color on the AKs. check out:
lumberjocks.com/topics/19362

They use ammonia, and apparently household ammonia will work. Industrial ammonia is dangerous to work with and requires protective gear. Also somewhat seriously explosive.

Thanks, mogar. That is an interesting process. Historically, us humans didn't have such delicate sensibilities. I think it could be argued we were better for it...