The trapdoor I just acquired has several runs where someone used a cleaning solution they shouldn't have and it discolored the finish in places. I've tried spirit stains but have not been real aggressive so far. How does one rectify this or do you just have to live with it?

Hi yellowhouse,

The collector value of the gun is probably already lost so I would sand down to the wood and refinish.

Frank

Well I hope not. There are 2-3 streaks quarter inch wide running down the side opposite the lock.

Hi Yellowhouse,

What I meant is a top gun collector won't be interested in that gun. Someone will still want it for some collection. It won't get top dollar with that type of damage so I would go ahead and refinish it. It is true that refinishing a historical collectible gun will reduce the value but you have all ready taken that hit.

If it has an oil finish then that area can be refinished and blended into the rest of the stock. Maybe not a good job for someone with no experience.

How about some pictures of the area?

Frank

I was going to say, the right person could repair it and never know it was there, but I wouldn't suggest the average person try it, unless you are willing to plan on refinishing the whole stock. It's probably an oil finish unless someone has refinished it, but you will need to know how to mix and blend different stains the get that original patina, if you just sand and redo, it's going to be a new, bright looking finish, something a collector is NOT going to want