1918 DB new wheels

[Willy]

Got new hickory spoked wheels, was wondering how to treat them. Don't want to paint, just clear. I've tried many finishes on wood, left outside, with no success. What's the best way?

[Minibago]

I painted mine with 6 coats of Marine Spar Varnish, I did both cars together, you need a big table and an understanding wife.

 

 

 

I used the best masking tape and rubbed down with a scotchbrite pad between coats.

The car is well used.

 

 

 

And still looks great after five years.

 

 

 

 

[Minibago]

The reasoning behind the marine spar varnish is that it locks out the moisture and is designed to move and flex without cracking so twisting, bending, expansion and contraction is absorbed without any deterioration.

This is what I used.

 

 

[Mattml430]

I use a 2pak clear sealer,2-3 coats and the I use 2pak automotive clear. It has great UV protection. Just make sure they are grain filled for best protection. 

[Willy]

I thought about using sanding sealer, which I think is lacquer based, then marine spar varnish. If it's good for boats, it should be good for wheels. Are there any negatives? Drying out? Cracking over time?

[Minibago]

Mine still look like new after five years.

No chipping, no drying out, no cracking.

Water and UV resistant and flexes with movement.

I applied mine by hand with a disposable foam brush so no need for spray equipment or two pack breathing apparatus.

 

No brush marks, no clean up.

 

 

 

 

[Mattml430]

Definitely if you don’t have spray equipment the feast Watson is great stuff. Nigel’s look great. 

[Minibago]

If you have the gear and the stands then spraying is certainly quicker, I took weeks but fortunately did not upset my wife.

Six coats is overkill but I figured better more than less.

On runs and in the paddock it is the wheels that makes the car stand out, a hose and chamois is all it takes to bring them back to looking like new after driving on dirt roads all day.