Finishing walnut dash.

[Pink_Floyd]

Several years ago I re-veneered my walnut dash, I used Rustins plastic coating. The finish was fantastic, it goes very hard and after 3 years it had cracks everywhere. I have just re-veneered it again in burr walnut on model aircraft ply on the original metal dash. So now to finish it off, what is the best product to use to get that super smooth shiny finish.

[nawarne]

I'd be so tempted to 'phone a local classic restorers and pick their brains.
Likely 'they' will farm wood/veneer work out, but at least you'd have contact with a knowledgeable expert to give you some pointers.
I'd agree, applying the veneer to a wood substrate is a good idea!
Nick

[Mbwa-kali]

Recently had my Momo wooden steering wheel refurbished by Steering Wheel Restoration in Kent who did a fantastic job. It's finished in a gloss varnish or lacquer of some sort which is obviously very hard wearing. Might be worth asking them what product they use and suitability for the dash veneer. The only other thing that comes to mind, other than typical retail varnishes, is epoxy resin which I've used on table tops and worktops. It needs a bit of practice to get right (but can be sanded down and recoated) and may give a bit thicker finish than varnish but the right spec epoxy is hard wearing with decent UV stability. In all these cases the base material is rigid so not sure if there is enough flex in the dash to warrant something different. I guess you could try a sample off cut if you are making this up.

[jp2405]

Hello

You could cntact Chestnut Finishing Products. They have a wide range of products which they manufacture and could quickly advise you about suitability/ease (or lack of!) application.

John

[GJR]

I’ve been trying to do this for a good few years now. I’m happy with the preparation up until the finish needs applying, but it’s always the lacquer that I fall down with. I’ve tried Rustin’s (with the same results as you), yacht varnish, rattle can car lacquer spray and even Shellac sanding sealer which can also be used as a finish. None worked. The more I’ve researched, the more it seems that the lacquer needs to be a professional two part spray lacquer. Polyester lacquer seems to be mentioned on a lot of the professional veneering sites. Purchasing this type of lacquer seems to be for trade only as I believe it is toxic to use without special masks and equipment.

I have, however, found a local company that are happy to lacquer dashboards provided to them. I haven’t enquired about cost, but it may be the only option for a professional looking finish without spending £100s on specialist spraying equipment.