[Mauser720]

paradox998 -

You mentioned you "just checked with Brownells" so if I am telling you something they already told you, you can disregard this part of this post. One of the wasy to use the "whitening" requires some kind of solvent to use with it. The solvent I have used is "TCE Cleaner - Degreaser" because that was recommended. However this stuff is toxic, and excessive exposure to the fumes can even be fatal. You make a paste out of the whitening and the solvent, and apply this paste to the finished wood surface, and let it dry. The whitening is supposed to draw the oil out of the wood. After you have waited to give the capillary action of the dried paste time to work, you then remove the dried paste. I've had mixed results using it; however, the wood I was using it on was really a "basket case" too. Depending on the solvent you use, just remember that it is extremely important to maintain adequate ventilation.

Now one more thing: The post you read about boiling grips may have been one I made recently. You mentioned your grips are numbered. Now if you do boil your grips, those numbers are going to disappear. Boiling grips has the same effect as steaming the dent out of a stock. All the pressed in wood will be raised. So this is something to be aware of too.

Good luck with your project.

Mauser720 - Ron