RE: [A/S] Re: Hickory Interior Finish

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think Airstream should visit their Sherwin Williams Industrial coatings
branch.

As a retired cabinetmaker, I can tell you with some authority that the best
(in my opinion) finish is Sherwin Williams Kem-Var Conversion Varnish. (or
similar product) This is a spray only, catalyzed (two
component)urea-formaldehyde finish which is darn near bullet proof.  It is
resistant to water, strong cleaning chemicals, even nail polish remover,
lacquer thinner, and MEK (methy ethel keytone). [Don't try this on most any
other furniture finish!]  Kem-Var comes in a number of gloss levels from
matte to gloss.  Dull rubbed effect is one notch above matte, and is a nice
mellow finish with a very subtle sheen.  The finish is "water white" so it
will not impart a yellow color, which is typical of most varnishes.

The recommended sealer under Kem-Var is Sherwin Williams Vinyl Sealer - a
single component lacquer like sealer but far more durable, more flexible,
and more water resistant.

You could put this over a lacquer finish.

Spraying Kem-Var is a little nasty - you need good ventilation and a very
good respirator designed for organic vapors, since the product emits
formaldehyde when it dries.  But the smell (and the formaldehyde) disappear
once the finish has hardened.  The best way would be to take the panels out
of the trailer, if possible, to spray them.

If you are talking refinish, you can't have any wax, oil or silicone under
the finish or in the wood, as the finish will not stick to the substrate.
Once you get silicone (as in Pledge or many other furniture polishes) the
chances are you will not be able to remove it.  (There are ways if it hasn't
soaked into the wood.)

If you are going to do the job yourself (or hire it out) talk to the folks
at your nearest S-W Industrial Coatings store.  This is the division which
sells finishes to commercial and industrial users such as furniture and
cabinet makers.  They could direct you to a Kem-Var customer(s) who could do
the finishing for you.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Oliver Filippi