The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed Help please

I'm installing a new oak bed in a 1952 Chevy pickup. Right or wrong (there are so many opinions out there) I applied 2 coats of Linseed Oil, one coat of stain, then 3 coats of spar urethane. First coat was mixed with 1/3 mineral spirits, then 2 coats of unmixed; now I'm at the last coat. Should I mix the urethane with 1/3 mineral spirits to get a smooth last finish or not? Thanks. Bob

Hi Bob- if you've been lightly sanding in between coats & wiping it down with a clean cloth, I'd continue coating with the unmixed spar urethane. The "smooth" finish part may take more than one more coat on the oak. It is a representation of how clean the wood is & how 'level' the coat of urethane is on top of it. This is where the "light" sanding comes in.

How much time have you had in between coats?

Brad

Thank Brad. At first I only waited 4 hours between coats, but with the urethane I've waited over night. Have sanded between each coat - at first 220 grit paper, but now using 320 grit. Have hand-rubbed each coat on. How many more coats of the urethane would you suggest. Thanks for the help. Bob

Some useful info here based on testing and experience.
http://www.mar-k.com/wood_finishing.aspx

Definitely read up on the Mar-K info; it'll sorta be hindsight at this point, but it's great information.

Also, depending on humidity, definitely wait overnight or longer on each coat of the urethane. As long as you give each coat plenty of drying time, Lightly sand it down (you can switch to very fine steel wool, or a 400+ grit paper), and wipe it clean I suppose you could put as many coats on as you'd like.

I always get a better finish using very fine steel wool prior to the next to last coat, and cheese cloth or the inside of blue jean material prior to the last coat.

Brad

If you want a glass like finish all the wood pores need to be smooth. Keep adding coats and sanding in between until the pores are smooth. Once you get to that point then put a light thin coat on to finish. Allow each coat to dry completely. Drying will depend on your conditions. All the info as Brad stated from Mar-K is worth reading as Mar-K provides quality American made parts and information also. Have fun and good luck
Dan

I have 7 coats of spar urethane on all sides of my cherry and purple heart bed, sanding with 220 at each coat. Definitely let it dry overnight before sanding!

No need to thin the last topcoat. Its best that the last coat is full strength and not thinned. Definitely let the previous coats dry thoroughly otherwise it will take some time to fully cure and may be a soft finish for some time.

OBTW, you did all of the right things in your previous layers of finish.