262 cracked gauge panel repair

[HOMAN]

Has anyone tried refinishing the gauge panels by sanding down to the burl veneer? I've seen people have sent them out to the place in Florida but didn't see that anyone actually did it themselves. I

[AsLan7]

.
So glad you found us, HOMAN.

I have not seen anyone sand those panels down. You would have to figure out how to get the labels back on there as well. I think the company in Florida is a good option and folks have had success with them. Have not seen that posted lately though. Keep us apprised.

Any pictures?

And welcome aboard mate

.

[jhnmdahl]

Homan, one of the challenges is that the finish on these (I think it's urethane?) is likely much harder than the underlying veneer, making it pretty challenging to sand the finish off without damaging the veneer. I think if you were planning to put a new layer of veneer on the panel it might be faster, but obviously involves another step that isn't trivially easy.

[HOMAN]

First time posting pics, the 3 panels done so far I don't think they came out bad certainly alot better then they were

[Titaniumboy]

Wow, those look incredible. Please tell us how you did this.

[AsLan7]

I agree. Beautiful work.

[HOMAN]

I used a 5" electric dual orbital sander with 40 grit on lowest speed ,the old clear was about 1/8" thick. Took off evenly the whole piece,I was able to gauge thickness by the cracks. Once broken through the clear in a spot stopped and went elsewhere once all was almost off switched to 80grit and then 150. Finished off with 400 and steel wool by hand. The cracks were still evident in the veneer and looked horrible but once the Minwax Helmsman was sprayed they disappeared. Sprayed in the basement but would get fisheyes as if it was a dirty surface, but found heating the surface eliminated that. Multiple coats, multiple hand sanding 400grit and steel wool, can't run through with electric sander time must be taken

[jhnmdahl]

That's really impressive work. If you're getting fisheyes, sealing with shellac will often remedy that, but it sounds like you found another solution. Really nice job, especially considering the dollar cost of replacement panels and knowing you now have the skills and a process down for keeping them looking sharp.