Refinishing a Wooden Steering Wheel

[jaudette3]

I discovered a nice sound original wooden steering wheel under the crummy leather wrap on my '67 Softie. I've sanded it down and stained it and I'm getting ready to put the finish on it. Is it best to use varnish or shellac - or something else? Best to brush it or do spray-on finishes work well? Sand between coats with 1000 or somesuch? Thanks for the help.

Cheers,
JohnA

[Toronto66_911]

I discovered a nice sound original wooden steering wheel under the crummy leather wrap on my '67 Softie. I've sanded it down and stained it and I'm getting ready to put the finish on it. Is it best to use varnish or shellac - or something else? Best to brush it or do spray-on finishes work well? Sand between coats with 1000 or somesuch? Thanks for the help.

Cheers,
JohnA

The best finish will be a two part post catlyst lacquer or polyurathane two part finish.
A shellac finish will be very soft and very, very susceptable to scratches, marring and to sun damage,humidity etc..
Oil based varnish will be only slightly better and discolour (yellow) over time. If you can get a hold of a spray system, you could lay 4 or 5 quick thin coats of quality material sanding and tack cloth inbetween in succession and sand with as fine as you can go up to 1600 grit, then buff and polish with compound. should look like glass.

Pm If you would like more details

[66S]

I would not stain the wood, mahogony has a nice natural color. Use auto urethane 2 part with good UV resistance. You can tint it with yellow or brown tint to get that old time look.

[Mycar]

+ One on the two pack acid catalyst finish, sprayed on in light coats until you have a good build up. Instead of sand paper, use the finest wire wool in between coats, I use 0000 grade, saves going through the finish, especially round the back of the wheel. Leave the finish to harden for 24 hours before buffing.

Mike.