SB McWilliams ALKANET ROOT Stain/Finish Gunstock Woodworking Refinishing Vintage

Description

I make this from scratch using Alkanet Root it's a large 4oz bottle which can do multiple guns.  This is what the London gun makers used in the 1800's and still do today on the finest guns.  Its linseed oil based so any varnish you desire can go over it.  It brings out the beauty of fine walnut in a wonderful way.  Its not a heavy stain like a minwax it looks like Cabernet wine, a subtle mahogany color most of the time but each piece of wood responds very differently. If the wood has crotch feather in it  with reds, purples, oranges, and yellows it has a way of high lighting them.  I added some pics so you can get the idea. This can be used as a STAIN or an OIL Hand Rubbed final finish but you will need to be patient as a final finish each very thin coat will take time to cure and will build up slowly, but many guys do.
I'm happy to answer any questions before or after the sale just send me a note.  I've sold hundreds of bottles to stock makers and checkering guys and they all love the way it can make a nice piece of wood a great piece of wood. It has a rich history in the craft and I love making it and I love using it myself.  Please see my other postings for my London Blend Varnishes.  Alkanet is all about "hue". On straight grained walnut it will give the wood a burgundy hue and looks initially like mahogany. The real treat of alkanet is that red seems to illuminate whatever is there and most importantly it finds porosity and fills it with color that doesn't exist.
So....I'm not sure if this product is right for you because it doesn't tur a gun red, red.  Those guns were pigmented red.  Every piece of wood responds in its own way. All I can say is alkanet can do amazing things which is why the masters used it. Of course it can't transform a poor piece of wood into something great but if you don't have grain that hue can make a difference. Hope this helps and I will add much of this text to my post so others get grounded. I call this a stain/finish because some guys use it as a stain and varnish over it and some guys because it is linseed base (with some additional adds) take it to as much as 30 coats and love the sheen and the hand rubbed look. I also advertise in the American Custom Gunsmith Guild and many of their members use this including Ron Scott.  I have also written for American Gunsmithing Magazine.  Post your pics on my facebook page!!!!
Thanks!!  Shawn