Raising dents in wood stocks?

[schunter1128]

Has anyone heard of raising dents in wood stocks by using steam? Any specifics would be appreciated!

[gunnut69]

It's a very common restoration technique..  A wet (not dripping but wetter than damp) cloth is placed over the dent.  The cloth is cannot be sybthetic and cotton is best.  The number of layers(folds) layed over the dent is a factor of the heat of the iron applied.  I use and old copper soldering iron but a clothes iron also works just fine.  The heat and fairly broad surface forces the steam created downward.  The finish must be removed enough to allow the steam to penetrate.  On poly finishes it will need more removal than oil finishes.  The process can be redone as needed until the dent is raised.  Really bad dents which tear or break wood fibers will show somewhat but even this can be taken out if really desired.  Most dents will come out quite well and the finish can be reapplied after a few days drying time.  Be especially generous with the drying time on poly finished stocks as any moisture in the wood will be trapped by the poly finish and may can lifting of the finish at a later date..

[His lordship.]

I bought a beat up low serial number 1895 Chilean Mauser rifle that had numerous dents, and used a cotton pillow case made moistened from the faucet, then a heated copper cooking pan from the stove top.  Applied the pan onto the old folded sheet,  listening for the steam, this really worked well.  The dents came up like an elevator.  

I had to be careful about the steam getting onto the metal parts of the gun, simply oiled every part of receiver and fittings when done.  Let it thoroughly dry, and with the exception of a torn area, the rifle really looked much better than before. :grin:

[jvs]

A wet cottonball placed over the blemish and run over with an iron on the steam setting worked for me.