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780 elm burl trim restoration

bgpzfm142

crossmember
Joined
Dec 25, 2013
Location
Launceston, Tasmana
After looking pretty flaky for a while, the lacquer on my 780's elm burl dashboard trim has mostly parted ways from the timber. What hasn't already flaked off the timber is ready to do so. (The upside of this is I won't have to worry about stripping the old stuff off.....)

I'd like to restore these pieces to their former glory, but I have zero knowledge of how to do it.

This thread is the only one I've found on here which hints at this subject. There's mention by Mister Chair of '80's clear catalyzed epoxy' but is there a better, more modern equivalent?

What type of lacquer should I use to make it look nice again?

How many coats will be needed?

What sort of preparation will the elm burl need before new lacquer is applied?

This info might also come in handy for folks restoring timber trim on 240s.
 
My dad is in the middle of this as well...

Whatever you end up choosing...make sure it's something that can handle the heat, and won't yellow with age. If I went through the trouble, I'd want it to last for a while...
 
I have done many wood trim restorations. I start with #320 dry sandpaper to get all of the old finish off, carefully! Once stripped I brush on poly urethane high gloss clear with a high-quality brush laying on a low angle/ drag the brush across the surface, let it dry for at least 2 days!. Next sand the gloss off with #400 paper dry changing the paper often as it will clog, you will start to fill in the low spots. I end up doing this at least 6 to 8 times, yes it will take some time. When you are done it should be like glass.
 
Once stripped I brush on poly urethane high gloss clear with a high-quality brush laying on a low angle/ drag the brush across the surface, let it dry for at least 2 days!.

Thank you for the description of the process. What brand(s) of polyurethane high gloss clear coat do you recommend?
 
Wood Refinish

Thank you for the description of the process. What brand(s) of polyurethane high gloss clear coat do you recommend?

Minwax High gloss clear. Get it the 8oz cans, if it stays open for too long it will get too thick. Stir do not shake as this will create small bubbles. Good luck, take your time.
 
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