In this seminar from the 2023 Gunmakers Fair at Kempton, Artist Mitch Yates shares his process for finishing traditional muzzleloader stocks. Mitch covers the tools, techniques, and supplies for his finishing process. Mitch also discusses other solutions for finishing stocks, answers questions, and shares insights from his experience as a muzzleloader builder.

Check out the video timestamps for the names of products used by Mitch.

Video Recording Sponsored by ‪@ILoveMuzzleloading‬

Follow Mitch Online:   / jmyatescolonialamericanartist  


Video Chapters:
0:00 Introductions
1:28: Nitrate of Iron Stock Stain
9:39 AquaFortis
11:30 Stock Finishing with Scrapers, not sandpaper
19:49 Preparing the Stock: Cleenwood by “The Imperial Company”
22:03 Using Tanic Acid to bring out the grain
1 TBS Tannic Acid Powder: 1 Pint HOT Tap Water
23:26 Applying Nitrate of Iron Stain
28:30 Stock Finish
29:20 SeedLac Shellack
34:00 Oil Finishes
42:00 Patina and Aging
56:36 Staining, Patina for Cherry
1:00:00 Artificial Striping - Leman Rifles

"Our mission is to preserve and present the art and industry of making early American muzzleloading firearms and accouterments. Bringing together artisans and crafts people that help create and support the gunmaking industry. Promote muzzleloading by giving seminars on topics such as gun making, horn making, bag making, gun collecting, match competition, hunting, historical re-enactments, and other educational based programs.”

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