Top coat for wood and 1890's sulkey restoration?

[SBOhio]

Stumbled on this 1890's sulkey in a barn. New to the SPI forum but have already learned alot!. Thought this would make a good learning project. Wood, iron, wheels what's not to like. Looking for some help on top coat. Going with SPI epoxy primer and 2k. My concern is the topcoat. enamel, urethane, BC/CC? Looking for durability, flexibilty (especially on the wood) and an age appropriate look. Some members have concern with adhesion of the basecoat/clearcoat on the wood. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Bob Heine]

SPI Universal Clear sticks to wood better than anything I have ever used. I rejuvenated a poplar counter top in my garage. It has a deep laundry sink mounted to it and I use the sink to wash parts and I use just about every harsh chemical you can imagine and never worry about spilling anything on it. The poplar is soft so I have put a lot of small dents in the surface. The Universal Clear sticks to the wood and there isn't a single spot on the counter where the clear has cracked or lifted. Chemicals I know I have spilled on it include brake fluid, gasoline, oil, transmission fluid, acetone, lacquer thinner, denatured alcohol and even paint stripper (I wiped that spill up pretty quick.

Just as a historical record, I posted that project here in November 2011: http://www.spiuserforum.com/showthread.php?1152-Garage-Counter

I have done next to nothing to protect the counter and after more than two years of abuse there are lots of light scratches but it buffs up like new after a few minutes with polishing compound. I wiped it down tonight (been about a year) and took this picture.

 

[87max]

That is good to know I may have a project @ work coming up that made me think of the spi clear for durability. Looks great.

 

[SBOhio]

Won't the clear coat come out pretty glossy? Is there any way to get the original look? Can you sand the clear just to a certain point?

 

[Bob Heine]

Won't the clear coat come out pretty glossy? Is there any way to get the original look? Can you sand the clear just to a certain point?

SBOhio,

You could flatten the clear by sanding but it would be easier to add Liquid Flattening Agent (#950) to the Universal Clear or use Matte Clear (#2200).

If you go to the SPI Site (there's a button at the top of this page or click on this link http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/index.htm) and then click on the "Products" button, the first item in the list is the on-line Tech Manual that describes all the SPI products.