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| | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 408 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 408 | Anyone have suggestions for a particular brand of polyurethane for the bed wood.
Number of coats to use ? did you do the underside as well?
Thanks, Paul | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 843 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 843 | Minwax /Helmsman.4 coats on underside and sides,5 on top.It's been on 4 yrs with no problems.I did mark the floor in one small spot.The repair leveled out nicely
Last edited by BC52; 05/14/2012 9:37 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 408 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 408 | thanks I will look for that brand. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 171 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 171 | The key is to put the same number of coats on the bottom as the top, or at least close to the same number. The ends are where the wood will soak up the most moisture and over time this is where the finish failure will happen. So, build the finish up on the ends either by brushing on 6-8 coats or just stand the boards up in a 1/4" or so of finish over night and the the next day flip the boards for the other end. Put the final coat once the holes are drilled. The Helmsmen Spar Varnish is good stuff. I've had it on my Model A bed for 8+ years and it looks brand new.
Last edited by 54barnfind; 05/16/2012 3:32 AM.
....David
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 252 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 252 | Look at Mar-k's website. They did quite a series of test to see which finish held up the best.
Also, look at the Bed Forum right here. It helped me a lot.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 324 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 324 | wodniw5
My approach was to use the varnish that is made to be outside in the weather. Known as Marine Spar Varnish, this is the stuff they put on wooden boats. Creates a very hard & durable finish.
6 to 8 coats is what the boatbuilders put on them.
Not sure how poly would hold up over the years compared to Spar?
Just a thought. Anyone else ever use Spar Varnish finish? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,513 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,513 | UV resistant marine spar varnish is what seemed to be the best from what I gathered.
1952 1300 Canadian 1/2 ton restomod You Tube | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 408 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 408 | | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 303 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2010 Posts: 303 | Minwax /Helmsman.4 coats on underside and sides,5 on top.It's been on 4 yrs with no problems.I did mark the floor in one small spot.The repair leveled out nicely I second that, here is a link to the bed I just finished using the Minwax Helmsman [IMG]http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/50806/2782006850107361323S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]
Last edited by tracern1; 05/21/2012 2:54 AM.
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