Becks 18th Century Oil & Wax Finish
Discovering Authentic 18th-Century Finishes
Discovering Authentic 18th-Century Finishes
Discovering Authentic 18th-Century Finishes
At Beck Flintlocks, we are dedicated to preserving history through the art of 18th-century gunsmithing. As a one-man operation, my passion lies in sharing my family's legacy through living history and research.
In our quest for authenticity, we delved into historical manuscripts and techniques, unearthing a treasure trove of knowledge. One such gem is a recipe from a 1770s German manuscript, which forms the basis of our wood finishing products. This traditional finish stands apart from modern options, as it creates a warm mellow glow that reflects the beauty of original pieces, rather than a modern high-gloss or plastic shine.
Discovering Authentic 18th-Century Finishes
Discovering Authentic 18th-Century Finishes
Our authentic wood finish utilizes natural ingredients, including tree resins, oils, wax, and plant extracts. This hydrophobic finish not only repels water but also enhances the character of your wood, bringing out its unique grain. While it is not food-safe, it is designed to be easily maintained with additional coats over time, ensuring longevity and beauty.
The inclusion of turpentine solvent in our formula allows for the transformation of high-gloss finishes into a classic dull sheen, reminiscent of historical pieces. This meticulous approach to crafting finishes ensures that each application tells a story, connecting modern makers with the artisans of the past.
Applying Beck Flintlocks Finish
Discovering Authentic 18th-Century Finishes
Applying Beck Flintlocks Finish
To achieve the best results with our 18th Century Finishing Oil and Wax, Use Maynerd’s 10 simple steps for finishing your stock with Beck Flintlocks Finishing Oil and Wax:
1. **Prepare the Stock**: Sand your stock progressively up to 400 grit (or scape the finish) and wipe it down with a tack cloth.
2. **Whisker the Surface**: Whisker the stock 3-5 times to reveal any overlooked spots.
3. **Enhance the Grain**: Apply a grain-enhancing agent, such as iron nitrate.
4. **Choose Your Color**: Apply a stain or leave the stock in its natural state.
5. **First Coat of Oil**: Generously apply Beck Flintlock Finishing Oil, rubbing it in deeply. Allow it to penetrate for 15-30 minutes, adding more oil to dry spots as needed.
6. **Massage for Uniformity**: Massage the oiled stock by hand for a uniform appearance, then wipe it down.
7. **Additional Coats**: After drying, lightly scuff the stock with Scotch-Brite and apply 2-3 more coats of oil, rubbing in the direction of the grain.
8. **Prepare for Waxing**: Warm the item in the sun, then apply Beck Flintlock Finishing Wax. The first coat can be burnished with 4000 grit sandpaper.
9. **Cure the Wax**: Allow the wax to cure for 24-48 hours before buffing with a tack cloth. We recommend 3 coats for optimal protection.
10. **Maintain Your Finish**: Keep your stock beautiful with occasional wax coats.
Join the Craft
Join the Craft
Applying Beck Flintlocks Finish
We invite you to share your journey with us. We appreciate feedback and love to see before-and-after photos of your projects highlighting our historical finishes. For more insights and educational content, subscribe to our YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Thank you for supporting Beck Flintlocks and for being part of this heritage craft. Together, we can honor and preserve the artistry of the past!