Community Forums

H. Miller · 01-30-2011, 02:04 PM

We have an "04 Beaver with maple wood. Anyone know what "finish" is on that wood. It has little to no sheen (shine) and all poly-urathanes we've tried are far to shiny. The finish, what ever it is, imparts no color to the wood.
Any woodworkers out there?

mikedes · 01-30-2011, 02:55 PM

I don't know what was used here but the difference between water based and solvent-based poly is color - water based has non
I would be surprised if the manufacturer used poly however as it is too slow to dry in the manufacturing environment
The sheen is done by adding flatteners and you have make sure to mix good or it will be glossy don't know what was used here but the difference between water based and solvent based poly is color - water based has non
I had a cabinet shop for 15 years and very seldom used poly for the reason of speed but it is a very good top coat as long as you give it enough time for drying ( it continues for about 3 months because it does not dry by evaporation but by cross linking)
Mike D
ps is there a spell checker on the quick reply that I don't see
Thanks

itdave · 01-30-2011, 03:02 PM

Here is a like to a Beaver Journal article that talks about the wood work. http://www.beavermotorcoaches.com/jo...eb05/wood.html The process look very involved depending on the level of the coach.

TXiceman · 01-30-2011, 03:33 PM

There are numerous type of finishes that are used on wood. Trying to match an existing finish can be a real chore. I love to work at finishing wood and to match an existing if often a trial and error exercise. If you have limited experience in wood finish, get a few sample pieces of wood like yours. Visit a local store that carries lots of wood finishing supplies. Look at the sample boards, ignoring the stains, see which finish most closely matches you finish. Buy the 1/2 pint cans of the finish close to yours, or small spray cans of finish. Your finish may not be urethane, it may be a lacquer finish.

It wood may or may not have a sealer on it which can effect the way the finish attaches to the wood. Buy some 000 ( four-ought) steel wool to work the finish between coats.

You should be able to come up with a close match, but it may take some work.

Ken

H. Miller · 01-31-2011, 02:27 PM

FOUND IT!
Made sure all or any old finish was removed (acetone). Used 100, 200, 1000, 2000 grit then 0000 steel wool - smooooth.
As no coloring desired, used Johnson's floor wax (2 coats) and sheen is exact!