Bed partition

I wanted a better looking bed partitioning board and did not want to pay out the rear end for a metal one, so I decided to create my own. For the last two years I used just an ordinary 2x8, but the board was always an eye sore compared to the rest of the truck. So.... out came the saw, stain, wax free shellac as a bonding coat and Extreme Protection polyurethane. I have actually created two of these boards, but one is coated in spar urethane and the other will be coated in water based polyurethane. Interesting little tidbit I learned..... some water based polyurethane are actually harder than oil based! They resist denting and scratches better. At least that is the claim of several people and the manufacturer. I'm giving it a go and see what I get! The lettering is created using a wood burner/pyrography kit

 

I like it, cool idea with the wood burning the logo into it, Might want to do that at some point with my 2x8 in my bed.
So would you recommend the water based poly then?

 

I'll include all the links to the products. I did massive homework on this to make sure I got the absolute most durable outcome possible. I used Minwax Special Walnut stain. That needs to cure for 48 hours or more, then two coats of Zinsser Sealcoat matte/flat as a bonding agent (according to instructions on the can, DO NOT thin it with denatured alcohol or any other thinner for the purpose of a bonding coat). Then 4 to 5 coats of Crystalac Extreme Protection Water Based Polyurethane. Mountains of information in the form of reviews and other places suggests this is the hardest option to resist dents and scratches alike.

$8 1/2 pt Minwax 22240 Special Walnut Wood Finish Penetrating Oil-Based Wood Stain

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001003F9M

https://www.acehardware.com/departm...0rBx6lK-zde9AIEZ4WvqFsUxtpFkOXQxoCwPUQAvD_BwE

https://a.co/d/3wPkoOo

I checked over and over the compatibility of all these specific items and to the best of my knowledge this setup will give you the absolute hardest finish. It should be noted that I do have a weatherproof bed cover, so the polyurethane should be sheltered enough to prevent any problems, but that Crystalac water based polyurethane does have UV protestants in it, which is rather rare for polyurethane to have. It also has special additives to increase hardness. I assume those two things are what causes the abnormally high price of the polyurethane.

Just read the instructions on each product and apply as directed. It should give you a great finish product! I even included the file that I used to make the stencil. I just made it as big as it could be while fitting on a piece of paper to run through the printer. Good luck!

 

Excellent job! Makes mine look like its from Sanford & Son.

 

I'm kind of pissed at myself for not thinking of this before now, but you could buy this poster, cut it out with an exact knife like I did a regular piece of paper, and make an identical board as the one I have made... except your logo would be noticeably bigger. I hate to say it, but I'm probably going to go through the process again just to have a board with a bigger logo. The extra small poster would fit perfectly onto a 2x8.

https://www.redbubble.com/i/poster/...bePPqj7IfwcXpz_FMVlaqqWC1aMDPzoLqgG_uj0&gQT=2

 

I do like those guards you have. I have thought of using self adhesive rubber padding, but they screws look good and I'm sure will last longer! What kind of material did you use? That is a rather quick addition that I am sure will guard from the ends getting beat up!