The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts New lumber...

I purchased new lumber today for the flat bed on Brutis, my '66 C60 two ton. Now, my problem is that I don't know which stain color or product I should use on the wood. Any Ideas???

Did you buy treated or un-treated lumber and what kind (oak or pine, etc.)?

I had treated lumber on my car trailer floor that lasted 25 years with nothing put on it and it sat outside all the time.

Mike B

Hello Mike. I bought un-treated pine. This truck will be stored inside and probably not driven in the rain much. I plan on using it though for hauling stuff, (after a few ATHS events). I was thinking about using the same type of stain I used on my deck. Maybe a redish color.

I guess you need to decide whether you want a finish over the stain. Stain products that are meant to provide complete protection would probably not work under a clear finish.

I'm not sure, LOL... I was thinking about using a stain that offered complete protection. Perhaps I should take a trip to the hardware store and do some research, LOL....I didn't want to use a clear coat finish since I will be doing some hauling in the future.

I think any stain made for decks would be fine. After a few years if it needs to be freshened up, pressure wash it, let it dry and apply another coat and it's as good as new. I wouldn't use any clear, just stain in whatever color you like!

Semi-transparent will show some of the wood grain, solid hide will not and will give a more uniform color.

Mike B

Hello Mike B. Deck stain is oil based isn't it? As you can tell, I know next to nothing about stains and paints, LOL. Oil should soak in well for good protection on pine shouldn't it? I used a Behr product on my deck last summer. I'm thinking about using that on the bed wood. Thanks!

I built my bed with purple heart. I leave the truck outside. It has been almost 4 years since I built the bed. Its in great shape. I use Watco Exterior Wood Finish.
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=47

Thanks,Mt. Tam Trucker! last Summer,there was another discussion on this topic. someone suggested Spar varnish,but no one ,(as far as I remember),informed us on the quality or longevity,of any given product. Well-Done!! Thanks,again! Watco Ext. Wood Finish, should work well on white oak, too,don't you think?

Used motor oil, I used it on the pine deck of my 46. It is free and you will never run out of it. Every so often throw some oil on it and mop it around.

Spar varnish is a very poor choice for the high elevation UV rays. It doesn't work well at all. Use a commercial wood preservative and coat it several times letting it soak in between applications. Motor oil works OK but isn't pretty and gets all over the cab interior.

Thanks for clarifying,Dave! I know spar varnish was suggested on a different thread,last Summer. I don't know how it would hold-up,though. Again,thanks for the help.