Stock varnishing...

[tonaka]

I am attempting to make my own stock to replace the broken one for my Turkish Webley Patriot. It is almost done and I will put the pictures up soon.  It is my first one so it took me some time to make it and I couldn't devote all my time to it since I am busy with my job.
But I wanted to ask you guys how do you varnish yours, if you ever did? I found some info in library here on GTA but I just wanted to ask your advice as well. If you have followed some process in doing it could you please share?
Thank you

[yel01z06]

what kind of finish are you looking for high gloss, semi-gloss ,matt?

[tonaka]

Semi-gloss to matt, but closer to matt
Thank you

[yel01z06]

are u going to stain it first or is the wood nice enough that you just want to give it a protective coat? sorry should have asked the first time

[howie1a]

If you finish your stock with hi gloss  you can  all ways bring the gloss down with pumice ( or rotten stone ) and  lemon oil just make a past with the oil and pumice and rub the stock down you will end up with a nice smooth stock with the gloss you want you can take a hi gloss down to a satin this way or stop any where in between . howie

[howie1a]

All the guns I've re finished were beech wood a white or blond color if you want the stock to look walnut you need to stain it you don't stain stocks to hide blems. but to make the wood look the color you like.

[howie1a]

Cap the how to varnish your stock in the library  is mine, I used to do boat work for about 20 years including varnishing  work as well as  all kinds of wood work howie

[tonaka]

Hi Trek, yes I will stain the stock first and then will finish it. But I would like to know the process.
Thank you

[tonaka]

Thank you guys! I will use your advices. I hope it will turn out well.

[howie1a]

I leave the butt pad on the stock when sanding , this way the butt pad fits perfect to the stock and tape the butt pad when staining and varnishing unless the pad is hard plastic then I remove the tape before varnishing  that way the pad is shiny just like it was when you got the gun.