[Alpa11]

I posted not to long ago that I was putting together my own 10/22. Now I have just finished prepping my Boyd’s stock and I’m ready to spray the first coat. Because I have never done this before, I wanted to know if any of you folks out there had any idea(s) or tips as to how to go about this process as not to mess things up for myself.
Thank you in advance.


AP.

[jeepcreep927]

I am not a professional painter, but my understanding is that prep work is a huge part of making things turn out nicely. Sand sand and sand some more. Once the first coat is on you'll notice all the minor imperfections that weren't visible before. One way I have brought out these small marks is to wipe the stock with mineral spirits to wet it, so they will stand out more.

Once the rasp/ rough paper marks are gone, wiping with a water dampened rag will raise the grain slightly, to be sanded again with very fine paper. A tack- rag is very handy for removing ALL dust prior to the first coat, and for sanding in between.

[Alpa11]

Thanks for you help! Will do.

[Slickrick214]

As Jeep said be prepared to do alot of sanding. Make sure you use long strokes and coat evenly. Do not let and globs form or streaks from run off.

[firehammer]

Assuming you are using a stain:
Just to add my $.02. Initial prep (sanding) is definitly the key to a good finish. Sand in progression from coarse to fine. At least down to 220 grit. Finer if your going for a high gloss finish. 330 -440 grit. or finer.
If your spraying your finish, several light coats are better than one heavy coat. If using a rag or paint brush, this varies, some people like to wipe off the excess after letting it sit for 5-15 Mins. (depending on temp & humidity) & some people like to wipe off the excess right away. If you are staining in a controlled climate ( A/C) you have more time to work with. Humidity will make a stain tack up quickly. I would allow 24 hours between coats for proper drying. Lightly sand in between coats to knock down the grain & any contanimants that may have gotten into the finish while drying. 000 or finer steel wool is good for this. Don't sand too much or you'll sand the through the stain. Don't forget a moisture barrier, (polyeurathane or sanding sealer or the like.) If you use a stain with polyeurathane already in it you don't really need the moisture barrier. I prefer to stain & poly in separate steps. (ol' skool I guess)