Just polish it. If you want to add finish to get more shine, you will need to scuff up the old finish then apply a gloss finish. Most likely a poly finish since that is what the modern commercial stocks are finished with.
I a looking at refinishing my old sidexside which I had given. it is in a rough condition. I have a couple of questions; 1. would I be better off getting rid of dents and dings before I put the varnish remover on? 2. is a scratch pad just a scourer? where are they from? 3. what grit sandpaper do you use? thank you in advance
Chemically remove the old finish. Steam out the dents. Sand lightly...~300 grit or so, if you want to clean it up some more. Use a small would block when sanding around the edges. If you want the old worn look, just use a 3m scotch-brite pad white or grey for a final buffing. DO NOT fill dents or holes with putty. Live with the character time has bestowed on the wood. Finish with oil, do not use poly oils...ugly. In an Indian food store. Get a food coloring root called ratan jot. Get the powder and put some, couple of tablespoons, to about 8-10oz of boiled linseed oil and wait. After a few months of shaking regularly creates a nice blood red oil. Do not shake prior to applying. You can also add this colored BLO to your favorite oil finish to add some red color.
I literally can't understand half of what he's saying XD It's as if he had a dumpling stuck in his mouth for half the time, but the workmanship is really good :D
