Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Aug 19, 2003 06:23pm | #1

   The original finish was varnish in all likelihood. At this point, I would go with a poly varnish as it is more scratch and heat resistant. Get one that claims it is good for exterior use. Exterior varnish will be more flexible and will have some UV protection.

2. 
   Kevin | Aug 19, 2003 08:24pm | #2

   I would suggest going with one of the new generation automotive clears. Most (if not virtually all) of them are designed to remain flexible so that adding a flexing agent is no longer necessary over things like those plastic bumper covers that all the new cars have. It's going to automatically be UV resistant and durable, since those are given prerequisites for any automotive clear. And they will bond to wood just fine.

   Regards,

   Kevin

3. 
   JohnWW | Aug 19, 2003 08:55pm | #3

   The classic finish would be marine spar varnish, which is weather and sun resistant, flexible and can be refinished without stripping back to bare wood.  If it works for boats it should have no problem with car wheels.

    

   John W.

4. 
   Manchild | Aug 19, 2003 08:55pm | #4

   I would start with a whipe on varnish/poly/oil to penetrate into the wood as far as posible.

   You can top coat with a more durable finish like the auto finish.

5. 
   Tao | Aug 19, 2003 10:09pm | #5

   I agree with John W.  The correct finish for the period is marine spar varnish.  There wasn't anything else available at the time these wheels were made, and it's still a very good exterior clear finish.

   McCloskey's Man of War is the best one I've used.  It will outlast most polyurethane spar varnishes by a factor of three, at least. 

   Michael R