Finish For Bed Wood?

[cameyer]

Just curious what people have been using to treat their bed wood? I did a search and have come up with all different things but most are from people who garage their trucks. I am putting clear cut pine in mine and it will spend everyday outside exposed to sun and rain. should I leave the underside untreated so it the wood can breath? Or what have you guys found works the best?

[oem4me]

Absolutely not on the underside unfinished idea. Finish both surfaces the same no matter what you choose. One side different than the other will affect how evenly the wood absorbs and releases moisture. Bottom line is wood moves with moisture level, and there is no stopping it. If opposing surfaces are moving at different rates, warpage or cupping happens.
Seal both faces, edges and ends with a penetrating sealer for best results.

[kepi]

My painter finished the bed with the same clear coat he used on the paint. He said that should protect it the same as it does paint.

[jbgroby]

I found this company for ya.

http://bedwoodandparts.com/c-752777-...-products.html

[cameyer]

Thanks guys! wood should get here any day, can't wait to get started on it!

[jbgroby]

I painted mine 4 years ago just getting ready to put it on the truck in January

[vince1]

I got my rough Douglas fir from a yard that was about to dispose of it, it had been there so long. Needless to say it was well dried and it really drank up the linseed oil that had been in my garage for over 10 years. They got along really well. The original boards lasted 50 years. I think these will outlast me. I woodn't LOL use clear coat or anything that hardens because as the wood expands and contracts the stuff will begin to flake off. Use a product designed for wood and if staining go with products that are formulated to work together.

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by vince1

I got my rough Douglas fir from a yard that was about to dispose of it, it had been there so long. Needless to say it was well dried and it really drank up the linseed oil that had been in my garage for over 10 years. They got along really well. The original boards lasted 50 years. I think these will outlast me. I woodn't LOL use clear coat or anything that hardens because as the wood expands and contracts the stuff will begin to flake off. Use a product designed for wood and if staining go with products that are formulated to work together.

That's good advice on not using a finish that's too hard/brittle. I used linseed oil on my first bed re-do years ago. It worked ok, but got quite dirty as it stays a little gummy. I've also since heard that linseed oil itself absorbs moisture to some extent, so it's not the weatherproofer some think it is.

[joe dirt]

I used mminwax spar urethane on mine,..supposed to work well on outdoor furniture mine still stays in the garage tho

[jbgroby]

Ohhhhh that looks great, love the contrast. The most expensive wood I've used on a project was purple heart and puduca. I had to make bases for several RMS Titanic's for clients. Glad I was not paying.....

[vince1]

Interesting box in the front there. Is it a one of fabrication and how deep does it go?

Nice finish too.

[joe dirt]

Originally Posted by vince1

Interesting box in the front there. Is it a one of fabrication and how deep does it go?

Nice finish too.

its just a delta tool box for a Toyota sized truck