In a message dated 96-06-05 11:30:37 EDT, ko3@columbia.edu (Kevin O'Driscoll)
writes:
>I am trying to restore my wooden dashboard panel with some difficulty.
>It is coated with a rather thick layer of polyester resin (DPO or
>original?) that is cracked and flaking off. The upper layer of two layers
>of mahogany veneer is chipping off in places with the polyester. So far I
>have used a warm iron to help remove the looser flakes. There has got
>to be a better way. If this continues I will loose alot more of the
>veneer and I may be forced to spend $200+ on a new dashboard. Any
>suggestions are welcomed.
Kevin, I redid mine in '91. (It was the original dash from Triumph). Went
to Sears and got a finish remover (mild) - can't remember the exact name.
Then I put it on with a brush and let it soak for a few minutes. Then I
GENTLY scraped the residue off with a putty or spackle knife. Now, there was
no damage to the veneer itself when I started so I don't know what to tell
you about that. But the remover did not harm the veneer. After I got all
the old finish off ( and it had been cracked and clouded), I wiped the
veneer down with solvent to get all the remover off. I then used DAP
polyurethane finish - in my case High Gloss because it originally was shiney.
I put on about four coats (one per day or two of drying between coats) using
one of those cheap sponge brushes.
Looks great - I get many complements - and I have had no problem since then.
If you have any other questions - I'm ready to answer. Hope this helps -
let me know how it turns out, pls.
Art Kelly 64TR4 CT33118L (Original owner - original wood veneer dash)
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