Finishing a wooden bicycle ... spar varnish?
Hi guys, I'm at the final stages of my wooden balance bikes project (I had to make two for my twins).
I bought some "spar" varnish at Lowes for UV protection. Would normal polyurethane or Polycrylic work just as well or better? The bikes would, of course be used outside, but they would be stored in a garage, not outside. I want water protection (since they are bikes!). I don't want the wood to turn silver either, but I don't think they'll be outside for days on end in the sun either. Should I return the spar varnish and just use polyurethane/polycrylic?
The bikes are made with "hardwood" plywood. I think the other veneer is birch.
Thanks!
Vince
OK, done! 3 coats (sort of) of Epiphany!
OK! The finished products! I did a terrible job on the finish, the final coat had some voids in it and some drip/runs...but I don't think it matters. Also, I worked on it a bit after only 2 days and the finish was still a touch sticky.
In the end, I did 50/50 "sealer coat", then 75/25, then full strength.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Vinceram...eat=directlink
Vince