The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed Wood Bed Finish Question

I'm restoring a 52 Chevy pickup; am now working on finishing a new oak bed. Have put down 2 coats of linseed oil, one coat of medium oak stain, four coats of gloss urethane on the bottom & sides of the boards, and five coats on the top. Could use suggestions - should the finished product be high gloss, or semi-gloss? The high gloss finish right is pretty darn smooth, but after experimenting with 0000 steel wool, it becomes super smooth, and looks semi-gloss. Do folks restoring a bed use high gloss or semi-gloss? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. Bob

Since oak is a non stock 1/2T bed, any finish to suit your preference is ok. It just depends on what "show" finish you like. Myself, the glossier the better. Original beds were painted pine I think.

You can always apply a car wax and use an electric buffer to give it a nice finish too. If your truck is painted high gloss and not the flat colors - then go with a high gloss. If it is painted with flat paints - keep it consistent and go with a rubbed finish. In the end, it doesn't matter - either way it will look good.

Hello every one I was looking at a lot of different tops and came across this one on finishing a pickup bed which I have just about completed. I would like to make a suggestion on a great finish that every one may not have heard of, it is a two part urethane called Bristol it is a marine finish it will last 7 to 10 years in the direct sun and weather. I have used it on a boat which sat in the salt water environment for at least seven years and still looked like new. Bristol is not cheap around $55 a quart depends were you get it. It comes as a 1 quart kit with the cat. If longevity is a issue it is great stuff. It is a high gloss but there is an additive to dull it down if you want.

Find a UV protected finish.