[bige91603]

So about two weeks ago I picked up a 1975 Romanian akm, the furniture looked terrible the usual stain but no clear finish. I originally planned on updating the ak with a 6 pos stock and forend with some rails until I came across a posting on pafao about using red food coloring to give it the classic Russian red style. I jumped right into this "experiment" since I will just update it if I do not like the outcome. I sanded all of the wood down with 80, 180 and 220 grit then wiped it down with warm water. I have about 5 coats of food coloring on so far and it looks great but not exactly where I want it yet so I'm going to put 2-3 more coats on before I throw some wipe on poly. Once I get it all done and back together ill post some pictures of the final results and get some feedback hopefully

[mountainman13]

Looking forward to it.

[bige91603]

Just finished the staining part and gonna start the poly Sunday afternoon. Total cost so far $3 for red food color and $12 wipe on poly. Already had other necessities (foam brush, sand paper, etc.) Estimating a week to ten days to get the poly done properly.

[mountainman13]

Nice. Can't wait. Haven't tried that one.

[bige91603]

Finally done with the face lift, it changed the appearance of the gun ten fold. I love the finish, the food color worked surprisingly well

Attachment 51623

[bige91603]

heres some photos of before and after, lighting in after photo doesnt do the finish justice, it is much more glossy

[mountainman13]

That Looks pretty damn good.

[whyme]

Looking for a update, how has it held up at the range? Thinking of doing this to a Russian sks that I picked up with a crapy finish.

[bige91603]

It's held up great, I've had it out 4 times since I finished it. So far no wearing of, still looks great. I think the number of coats of poly I put on could help with that.

[TheOldMan]

Turned out very nice.. Who'd of thought to use food coloring..