Charlie, > >When wood is finished with automotive clear-coat, it is weather-proof >with a capital W. Thus, one can make sundials of any kind of wood you >desire, as long as it is finished with automotive 'clear-coat'.
Perhaps you can help with the following problem. I've used the 'clear coat' you describe directly on brass with a fine (1200 grit) 'scratch' finish in place of my fast diminishing stock of Cannings 'Ercalene' brass lacquer (amazing stuff but fiddly to apply). The problem with the automotive lacquer begins to appear after a few days. It 'crazes' and a whiteish 'bloom' of fine cracks appear. Varying the coat thickness hasn't solved the problem. What am I doing wrong? Are there different grades? BTW a recent TV programme on problems with car finishes recognised the bad effect of bird 'droppings' which can penetrate the outer coat leading to 'scabs' if not quickly removed. Don't park under trees in the nesting season! Hillaire Belloc got here before us I think "I am a sundial. Ordinary words cannot convey my thoughts on birds!" Finally, I think there are broadly three kinds of people on this list Thinkers and planners Makers and do'ers (my natural home) and, perhaps a smaller group, who are both. So hang in there! - you'll never be short of help and friendly advice. I think I'd better duck for cover now! :-) Tony Moss
