This chemical is subject to additional shipping charges when ordered with a kit.
Iron nitrate is a favored stain for maple gunstocks. It imparts a traditional, durable, and beautifully rich color.
**Iron Nitrate cannot be shipped to Canada or overseas.
Directions: Apply to wood. Allow to dry. I usually wait for at least a half hour before applying the heat. Overnight is fine. Heat until color changes to reddish brown. While heating, concentrate on one particular spot with only a bit of movement of the heat gun. When it gets hot enough, it will turn to an orange brown color. Then just start moving the heat gun slowly along to heat more of the stock. The only thing to really watch for is to not overheat corners. They will char and turn brown or black. Start in more open areas to get the feel. The only thing to stress is that you must heat it pretty hot to get the transformation. The color change will be pretty dramatic, so don't stop heating until you see this occur. reapply if needed. Apply finish of choice.
FAQ for Iron Nitrate:
Do you neutralize? I don't neutralize my iron nitrate (aquafortis). I do, however, keep it out of inlets. It can cause some slight rusting and you never see it in inlets of original work. There's nothing wrong with neutralizing with baking soda either, though. Sometimes it's good to rub out the stain a bit. My advice would be to just experiment. If you have some scraps that will help.
What if the color is a little green? You are probably not heating the stock enough. You should see it change to a brown orange color when it's properly heated. It's a bit scary, but without enough heat you won't get the proper color. The only thing you have to be careful about is not overheating corners of the stock. It heated to much you can scorch them. Practice on a piece of scrap if you have some.
Iron Nitrate Gun Stock Stain
Used this on a curly maple stock on my Bedford County flintlock. It turned out beautiful, and very much exceeded my expectations. Thank you for sending this in a timely manner.
Hi all, I’ve previously used Aquafortis but thanks to Jim’s youtube video this is my first time using a tannin wash prior to the iron nitrate. Looks great! I used 600 grit paper with oil/varnish to sand back the color. Years ago I’d read of a method to ebonize wood using tannin followed by a vinegar wash in which steel wool had been dissolved, but never thought to experiment. Keep those nice videos coming. Thanks, Phil
Followed the instructions and found the process fun and enjoyable. I ended up scraping back my first coat because I applied it too heavily. Proceeding coats worked perfectly and I'm happy with the outcome so far.
Iron nitrate stain was the perfect choice. My rifle is beautiful! I have plenty left over for my next rifle kit.
I bought my kit in 2017. My plan was to use the company shop after hours. Somebody complained. So I boxed up my kit. I retired 4 years later and this last winter I got the kit out and finished it. It was a good learning experience. Thinking of building another one. It shoots great.
Used this on a curly maple stock on my Bedford County flintlock. It turned out beautiful, and very much exceeded my expectations. Thank you for sending this in a timely manner.