Years ago I saw an article on the finishes that Rolls Royce used on their wood for the interiors of their cars. It said that the finish was good enough to with stand a hit from a big Cuban cigar, without damaging the finish. Anyone know how or what that finish might be? I would like to find the formula or something close for repairing old and new wood interiors for cars.
Thanks in advance.
Tbear
Replies
Back in the day, British car makers used nitrocellulose lacquer, many coats, leveled and highly polished. Today catalysed finishes, which can be a variety of individual, or mix of different resins, are used. The old finishes were not bullet proof but they were the best available at the time, done to perfection. Even the opposing doors had bookmatched veneers, the finest burl walnut was the choice for Rolls. Modern finish choices are more durable but I'd keep the cigars off all of them, new or old.
Almost certainly a catalyzed finish, perhaps a polyester or a 2k urethane. There is a good chance that it is nothing you can duplicate unless you happen to have a spray system that captures the exhaust solvents rather than releasing them into the local atmosphere.
Car Wood Finish
Tbear
While the catalyzed finishes, or a polyester finish is the strongest - they are also the hardest to remove. I would stick with the lacquer - even if it meant re-doing it more often.
SA
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