clear for auto dash

[tvrgeek]

Short of 2K clearcoat, what would be suggested for dashboard woodwork. Variable humidity, highly variable temperature, and some UV exposure. I guess spar varnish. Any other smarter ideas?
I want a satin finish, so I guess I could knock down the spar with 0000 and then buff it back a little. It should not be the high gloss like a Jag or RR. Triumph did not do that. Oh, it is walnut so UV protection to keep it from turning orange too quickly.

 

[chris_goris]

Why not use 2k clearcoat varnish like GF Enduro?

 

[tvrgeek]

First, it has no UV protection. Second, I was not wanting to deal with catalyst as I need many layers to build up and fill the grain and get the glass smooth finish for the dash. To mix a really small batch, clean up the gun, wait, sand repeat 4 or 5 times... You look at it from 2 feet away. Spar may be the only option.

 

[chris_goris]

Not sure what will have UV protection. Maybe thinned out epoxy might work and give it durability

 

[PeteM]

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/product/product-detail/4245

 

[tvrgeek]

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/product/product-detail/4245

Problem with two part is I need about 5 or 6 coats to build enough to fill the walnut grain. Quite an undertaking for about 2 sq ft. But this product does look to be the more durable. I was reading the can of System 3, and they suggested epoxy undercoat as well. Most epoxies have a slight amber tint when cured. Don't want that.

I looked at a bunch of videos of folks redoing them in England. Seems they all just used spar. Guess it is time to shoot the engineers and start production.

 

[tvrgeek]

Picked Total Boat Gleam.

 

[bphaynes]

Scott, I used Total Boat Gleam (4 coats gloss and then 2 coats satin as recommended for satin finish) on my new front door. Finished it last Thanksgiving and I have been very please and impressed. It's only been 6 months, but even if I need to do a light scuff and new coat every 2-3 years, I'll be happy (north facing house). This is my new go to finish for outdoor things and I want to redo my QS WO adirondack chair for summer!

 

[tvrgeek]

Thanks. Ordering some today.

 

[mpeele]

WaterLox marine finish. Use gloss and rub out with 0000 steel wool. WaterLox is the only finish that I know of that is water proof and fresh finish will bond to cured allowing easy repair and refresh.

 

[tvrgeek]

The "bond to cured" may be a big deal. I'll look into it. Fortunately, I have not used the Gleam yet. Still fixing little imperfections in my venire work.

Can it be built up to fill/cover the grain texture in Walnut? I need a perfectly smooth finish. No indentations for grain. Their WEB is not really clear and the examples do not show that level of thickness.