Original woodgrain touch up/sealing

Thodge

Thodge

Senior Member
Has anyone tried touching up and resealing original woodgraining with good result? My assumption would be that they would have used nitrocellulose lacquer over the ink. Does anyone know for sure if that’s the case? Nitrocellulose is still available for guitar finishing. My trim has a few pieces that could likely be saved with some careful brush work with the ink to blend in some wear. None of it is worn past the base brown color. So much of the trim is in excellent shape that it would really be a shame to redo it all but I’d like to protect what’s there.
 
I have dabbled with woodgraining for many years. According to the older paint and finish guide the finished product was sprayed with clear pyroxylin. The same article also mentions "the final top coat of Lacquer gave the the moldings depth like varnished wood." A high gloss was avoided. I'm not a painter but I think it would be prudent to avoid wet coats as it may cause lifting. I have had
excellent results using 2k Glamour Coat spray cans. It dries very fast and is quite forgiving. The high gloss version would work and can be "knocked down" with 3000 grit carbo medalist foam finishing discs. I have not tried their satin version.
 
Thanks for confirming that it is, in fact lacquer. Nitrocellulose has the perfect gloss level for the trim as long as it isn’t overly polished. You said you used 2k clear without an issue? Was that right over existing lacquer? That surprises me that it wouldn’t lift.
 
I have never gone over original graining. I have however switched from oil based graining material to water based artist acrylic paints. I top coated with the 2k with excellent results. Our club did a body off and very thorough restoration for LeMays America's Car Museum here in Tacoma. I was charged with the woodgraining and Interior install. After the woodgrain application another club member clear coated the pieces. I need to contact him to find out exactly what he used for you.
 
If it becomes necessary to redo the entire piece, there is a process called Hydro-Graphics that replicates the original graining finish. The only problem is to get the same color match as the original.
Ed
 
The hydrographics are an interesting option. It’s an amazing process to watch because it just goes on instantly like some kind of mystical sorcery. As a painter, when I watch it I get the same insulted feeling that I get when I watch someone wrap a car. Maybe I’m biased. :)
 
OK my Buddy used PPG DCU2021 only because he ha some in his shop. Spendy from what he says. He also mentioned any auto clear coat would work.
 
Yes, if doing a complete redo of the woodgrain with modern paint, urethane clear is the way to go. Just can’t put it over lacquer is all.
 
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