Bedwood Finishes? I know age old question =)

[Mt Man Chad]

The age old question, I know!
So I'm getting around to finishing the new Oak bed wood in my 1968 SWB. What have people used for sealing wood with UV protection? I see all sorts of different paint/Oils ect people have used.

Any advise in advance appreciated!

[sick472]

I have used Penofin pentrating oil finish to treat my wood bed and interior pieces, but it's not an overcoat. It's a wood treatment with staining effects of your choice. I chose not to clearcoat mine therfore no UV protection required. I used por15 to paint the undersides and merely stain/sealed the upper surfaces. I expect to reseal ever couple of years to keep it fresh.

I used Mar-K's bed wood coatings test to help me make my desisions. They put alot of effort into testing many different stains, paints, and such. Read the test reuslts here under the "Bed Wood, Bed Strips, Angle Strips" section...

http://www.mar-k.com/index.php?p=tips-and-tricks

[MDPotter]

We used Apitong Oil on my dad's 64. It's a stain used on trailers. He drives it almost every day and it sits outside at his office all day and it lasts well given the UV exposure here. It takes an annual reapplication though to keep it looking good. It's not as shiny as a clear finish the grain of the wood isn't as visible, but it's easy to apply and reapply. A link to the product:

https://www.trailerdecking.com/apitong-oil.aspx

[LS short box]

One tip I got from my bed wood supplier was don't drill thru the bed wood. Instead hollow out the wood on the under side of the bed wood making room for the carriage bolts heads so there are no places for water to sneak in. The carriage bolts still bolt thru the bed rails to hold the box on to the frame.

[70']

I just used Helmsman Exterior Spar Urethane on mine, It has UV protection, and I am very happy with it.

[FirstOwner69]

Some good info here.
http://www.mar-k.com/index.php?p=tips-and-tricks

I also used the Helmsman Spar Urethane (satin version) after staining with a Minwax stain. I'm pleased with the result. Probably not the most durable, but the truck is garaged and I don't intend to drive it in the rain. Be sure to finish all 6 surfaces of the wood and in any drilled holes.

[stomper]

You have to follow a couple links but I listed a 5 yr study here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=712949

[Mt Man Chad]

Thanks Everybody for the responses! Greatly appreaiated

[OregonNed]

I used Epiphanes clear extra U/V varnish on mine - been very happy..

[68bowtie]

Here’s the direct link to the mar-k test report.

http://www.mar-k.com/_assets/images/...alwoodtest.pdf