On Fri, 27 Feb 1998 jbonina@nectech.com wrote:
> I wouild also like to do this WITHOUT removing the dash. Do you
> listers think this is possible, or is the dash removal too easy to do
> with all the other benefits included such as maybe re-painting the
> bezels, the ease of wood re-finishing on a bench versus inside a small
> car, etc.
I would recommend you take a weekend off and remove the dash. You can't
use a varnish stripper with the dash in situ unless you can apply the
stuff without it getting onto anything plastic or vinyl (guess what most
of a car interior is made of?); if you use a chemical stripper the best
thing to do is to get the dash onto a bench, then let the goop go to work.
I used a paint/varnish stripper. It smelled like it had alcohol in it (I
didn't taste it). Also if you intend to use polyurethane varnish you will
find it has a tendency to sag when applied to a vertical surface. When
the dash is horizontal you will be able to get away with much more (be
SURE the varnish is dry!!!), and you can probably get a very rich finish
built up.
I didn't use varnish as I veneered with teak, and the oil in teak causes
varnish to lift and flake. the best preservative for teak and other oily
woods is oil; I used Swedish Teak Oil (not made from swedes, it's got Tung
Oil in it). It's not maintenance free, I have to put a light coat of oil
on every 6 months to stop the teak going grey, but I can live with
that.
You may find that after 10-15 years even the spar varnish will flake off.
My uncle makes oars for a living and uses varnish to protect them. For
heavy use you have to refinish them every year.
Oops! I'm rambling
-Malcolm
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