Thread: Flexible, durable finish for a wooden vehicle

Hi all,

I am on the home stretch of building an electric scooter. The fairing/body is constructed of laminated ply bent around a former.

The fairing is laminated in 4 layers - the middle two are a very open grain 4mm 4-ply called 'bendy ply', and the two outer layers are a very thin 2mm thin birch 4-ply (also called aircraft ply).

You can see the project on my blog: projectitis — Electric Scooter

I want to keep the timber look, so I am hoping to finish it in a clear/transparent finish rather than painting it. However, as you can image it has special characteristics:

1. Flexible. The scooter will vibrate and flex slightly as it is used.
2. Durable. The scooter will be out in the weather, and especially needs to be rain proof
3. UV resistant. Once again, in the weather means exposure to sun.

I have asked at the local Bunnings, but they don't know of anything suitable.

Although they didn't have any product suggestions, they said to look for a product also suitable for cane furniture, which also flexes and has similar finish requirements.

At the local fibreglass supply place they told my a clear gelcoat was not suitable as it has no strength and would crack with use and the weather. They suggested perhaps using surface tissue, which is a very thing fibreglass matt.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks very much!
Peter