Preparing riser wood surface

[wasapt]

What is the best way to prepare my riser wood surface before applying a new bear weather rest?

[R.W.]

A quick wipe with naptha will clean off most "gunk"
but I don't know if this will remove silicon's.
The silicon comes from stuff like "Armor-All" and can be a b.i.t.itch to get off.
A quick wipe with acetone would also work.
I would wipe ONLY where you are going to place your rest. And don't use a sopping wet wipe, it needs only be moist.
A Q-tip moistened with either of the above can be used to clean off small areas.

[Dano]

Naptha and acetone are pretty tough on most finishes, I would use rubbing alcohol, or mineral spirits.

[mooseman76]

I roll off whatever material I can with my finger/finger nail and then a soft cloth with a little rubbing alchol on it.  Always worked for me...Mike