Thread: Mould on wooden gun stocks

Have been having a slight headache for about 6 months
When i pull out my safe queens (just lesser used) rifles
That they are getting a few spots of green mould on them

I 1st noticed this after storing a couple of rifles for a mate for a couple of months last year
His gunsafe is in his shed so probably a bit damp…
I noticed a bit on his rifles so I cleaned it off before I put them away

Since then I’ve noticed all my wooden stocked firearms have it
It just wipes off and no damage to the finish etc
My safe is dry and always has a damp rid going which gets replaced regularly so I don’t think damp is the issue
Plus if it was damp id be having issues with rust aswell which im not

Any ideas?
Cheers

Wipe them with a cloth damped with white vinegar (brown works too).

@Tentman I’ll try that
Won’t damage my oiled stocks will it?

Originally Posted by rambo-6mmrem

@Tentman I’ll try that
Won’t damage my oiled stocks will it?

No it wont. Just use a damp rag with it on and in so long as you buff them dry it’s fine. Assume your stocks are all finished with raw linseed which is why your getting the “mold”

Blo or boiled linseed thinned 50/50 with turps nails the mould too.

Omark is 100% correct raw linseed is a mold banquet. Boiled oil is better and most commercial like tru oil"stock oils" are actually old fashioned copal varnishes (not polyurethane )

Thought about running a safe heater ( Golden rod or similar) or low wattage light bulb? I tend to think if you have Mould you have an environment to grow it. Like Mould you get on shoes in humid climates in the wardrobe. Usually dust that attracts moisture. Just my thoughts.

Vinegar may be good to get rid of mould on wood but they are not good on metal.

I use a rechargeable gun safe dehumidifier to keep the moisture out.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...ing/4022002084

Originally Posted by omark

No it wont. Just use a damp rag with it on and in so long as you buff them dry it’s fine. Assume your stocks are all finished with raw linseed which is why your getting the “mold”

The one custom stock i have im not sure definitely linseed not sure what type
All the rest are either old 1800’s mill surps (oiled) and a couple of modern factory lacquer finishes which are actually the worst ones lol

As muzza pointed out, I have a small oven sized bulb in the bottom of my safe. No condensation, no mould.

I've wired a heater and thermostat into my safe, set thermostat to around 20 degrees, doesn't turn on during the summer heat but its set an forget throughout winter, no condensation no mould. Definitely recommend using a thermostat if going the heater direction. Pic of the spare element I have.

Not sure we just get them off the shelf from Ideal electrical. I'll Check for a part number when I get home.

Originally Posted by Magnus

Not sure we just get them off the shelf from Ideal electrical. I'll Check for a part number when I get home.

Workshop Innovation has the proper safe heaters.

https://reloadingdirect.co.nz/shop/