Hi John;

I have a model 1898 Swedish Mauser rifle that is almost 100 years old - When I bought it, the stock finish had been through, well, a war or two! Those armorer's had rubbed in some linseed oil from time to time, so the wood was still well protected. It took me 2 months to get all the old finish off using "Oven Off," Soap and water, a scrub-brush and sandpaper (with judicious use of the ol' steam iron there as well). ;-)

I don't think it would work nearly as well over epoxy, if it sticks, that is. The reason it worked so well on the wooden stock was that it had really soaked in, as evidenced by how hard it was to get out. Plus, boiled linseed oil just does not like to dry. When I was rubbing fresh coats on the "like new" stock (with a rag, BTW), by the 3rd coat it was taking weeks to dry, while laying out in the sun every day. It looks absolutely gorgeous, but it took forever - literally! I think the armorers stopped at 2 coats and refreshed them every decade or so . . .

Hope this helps, Spidey