Factory Gloss On Wood Accents

[wakerider09]

Evening all,

I recently posted about building a cockpit table out of wood, and inquired about the type of stain/varnish to use. Does anyone know the process used to create that 'factory gloss' on wood accents look ie., the steering wheel in the pic attached. Albeit the picture is not the greatest, but you get the idea. How does the factory produce such a gloss? If process is unique in the sense that it can't be done by a "do it yourselfer" can anyone recommend where I might bring a wood cockpit table to achieve this glossy look?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

[GA_Boater]

Often the finish is clear epoxy. Here is a YouTube vid showing one method - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D09mhf1eXPQ

 

[Chad Flaugher]

GA_Boater's link is an excellent way to achieve that deep thick coating. You see that in a lot of high traffic table tops, such as bars and restaurants. A simple way to do this, is with polyurethane. It's nice to have access to a high volume low pressure (HVLP sprayer) and mix your own. This is how us construction folks put a finish on stained interior trim, doors, cabinets, etc. If that's not an option, you can find it in your local hardware store via spray can. The key is many many many light coats. You can't lay it down thick in one shot! I usually hit the surface 3 times, allowing it to dry about 30 - 45 minutes in between coats. Then, sand it lightly with very fine sandpaper, and repeat. Keep repeating this process until you have what you're after! Make sure your work area is well ventilated!

GA_Boater's method is the better of the two. You can however, lightly sand your table, and give it another coat anytime with polyurethane with minimal prep.

 

[Chris1956]

Wood finishes that are exposed to the sun, like in boats, require a UV resistant coating. There is a pretty new product developed for this purpose. It is called
"Spar Urethane", and is the only urethane which will hold up. It replaces "Spar Varnish". I would recommend one of the two over any standard urethane or varnish.

 

[JimS123]

Boaters have been doing it literally for centuries. Sure, new products come out all the time, but the old standards are still the old standards.

Spar varnish!

Look at my deck. Is that good enough?

 

[shrew]

Same answer as in the other thread. Use a Marine Varnish. There are a number of brands out there. Epifanes is extremely popular with wood boat folks, however Petit and Interlux are other major brands. Stay away from home store products and household polyurethane products.

 

[gm280]

There are so many ways to achieve that glass-like look on any wood surface or any other type surface as well. Some great spray-able finishes are available for those surfaces that can't hold the epoxy mixtures while curing. Urethanes with catalyst hardeners will accomplish those flawless finishes. Look at some car finishes and you will see those types spray-able finishes. So every project can have that mirror look without much effort...

 

[agallant80]

Use marine varnish like shrew said, it will offer the UV protection. Traditional Polly like the yellow can in Home Depot will crack and turn yellow over time if left in the sun. With that said it will be all about the prep work. If you want a good shine then lightly sand BY HAND with 1,000 grit between coats then buff with a cloth buffer pad. It will take many coats but it will look great. Your last thread inspired me to do the same and I started building one last night out of scrap wood in my shop.