48 DeSoto Wood Graining

[alan32433]

I am new to the forum but I know this topic has been discussed quite a bit. I am at the stage of my frame off restoration where I am working on my garnish moldings and dash. I want to duplicate the Carpathian Elm "look" as closely as I can and of course do it myself. All my pieces have been bead blasted, epoxied, then 2K high build primed. I had the proper base color in urethane mixed by matching the back side of the dash. Now I need to do the wood grain, followed by a clear coat. I have seen the DIT site and I am familiar with the process. I would like to hear from folks who have used this process and receive any "tips" they can offer. Are the results good enough to justify the cost, or is there a better way? I would love to see pics of your project. Also, If someone purchased the kit to do their project and no longer need it, let me know. I would be interested in buying it as long as it is the proper Capathian print.

Thanks!

[stellarrestorations]

You can make a nice effect with minimal cost by using artist oil paint, with a kitchen sponge, or shop rag, etc. as your application tool.

I can get artist oil at stores like Hobby Lobby. Oil based paints dry slowly and give you time to "play" with the grain until you're happy.

Our grain plates make the job perfect; but before we invested in the GIT system, we made quite a few attractive dashes with artist oil.

[Tom Skinner]

Alan,

I also used Hobby Lobby stuff and got a great job. Lowes sells Large Clear Laquer Cans CHEAP!

Remember if you Base Coat (Tan) with enamel you must seal with Laquer

well before using Oil Paints to create Wood Graining.

Oil over enamel will shrink and crack unless Laquer Sealed prior to Oil Paint application.

I got a great job doing Carpatian Elm Burl in Walnut using a Stipple Brush with the Center cut out twirlling it using Burnt Umber. Keep your Brush dry.

Use a rag/paper towel to keep your Brush relativly dry.

Practice makes perfect you don't need artistic ability to do this.

Finish up with 20-30 coats of spray Clear Laquer.

Straight Grain is a Piece of Cake use a Stiff fan brush or 2" Hogs Hair Brush and run straight Grains. Use Mineral Spirits to clean up.

Tom