Wood Steering wheel rehab

flaflier · #1 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 05:55 PM

So I decided that my steering wheel had just a little too much patina on it

So I sanded down with 320 grit to remove the old "patina", and put 3 coats of spar varnish on the whole wheel..

Came out nice, but not too nice as to look new, I think it still has the "used" look to it.

No comments about the cleanliness of the vice please...

PDUB · #2 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 08:32 PM

Looks good

! How does it feel as compared to new?

Man that's a lot of holes

!

*13* · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 08:43 PM

You need about 7 more coats.

Actually, that's totally up to you & your desired result. I put about 10 - 12 coats on my guitars with some sanding in between coats. you can get a real nice deep look once you sand & polish at this point. Blue Belly Guitars - Custom Hand Built Archtop Guitars

PDUB · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *13*

I put about 10 - 12 coats on my guitars with some sanding in between coats.

Do you refinish guitars or build from scratch? I noticed the matching #13 Hoosier in your gallery...

flaflier · #5 (**permalink**) 07-23-2011, 03:08 PM

I will add coats, with a light sanding between. I was hoping someone would step up that has refinished wood. I am good with teak on a boat, but I digress. Thanks!

It feels much smoother than the old, BTW.

flaflier · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2011, 03:11 PM

Oh, and 13, SWEET Guitars... If only I was musically inclined. My music career stopped when my music teacher refused to put the trumpet fingers needed for each note on the music..

*13* · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2011, 04:28 PM

The sanding smoothes out the grain lines, eventually. They make clear filler that you can use but i've never had any luck with it. I usually just sand the rough off with a 600 grit between every few coats. After the last coat i'll go 600-1000-1500-2000, then a good automotive polish to bring it to gloss. With the laquer I use i'll put about 6 coats on & let it sit for a couple weeks. Then another 5-6 & sit for a couple weeks before finish sanding. At this point the laquer has hardened up enough to where it will polish out really nice. With a steering wheel, depending on paint, you may only need a couple days, then polish it out. It will get hand polished with use

Thanks for the compliment, it's something I enjoy.