How to Refinish Mercedes Wood

If you would like to refinish the wood trim in your Mercedes, you should employ particular preparation and application techniques based on the type of finish you desire. If you would like to breath new life into the natural wood, you can accomplish your goal by replacing the old finish with fresh stain and varnish. If you would like to add color to the trim, you should apply a particular type of enamel. Know the proper ways to prepare the wood, or you will ultimately end up with a finish that flakes.

Preparation

• 1

  Remove the wood trim from the Mercedes, using a flat blade or Phillips-head screwdriver.

• 2

  Sand the Mercedes wood, using 120-grit sandpaper. Sand along with the grain of the wood until the finish appears dull.

• 3

  Sand the Mercedes wood, using a finer, 220-grit sandpaper. Sand until the trim feels smooth.

• 4

  Wipe sawdust from the Mercedes wood, using sticky tack cloths.

• 5

  Place the Mercedes wood on a fabric drop cloth.

Staining

• 1

  Coat the sanded Mercedes wood with oil-based stain, using a 2-inch paintbrush, made for use with oil paints. Use clean rags to wipe the wet stain from the trim. Wait at least 4 hours for the stained wood to dry.

• 2

  Wash your brush with mineral spirits.

• 3

  Coat the stained Mercedes wood with polyurethane varnish, using the clean paintbrush.

• 4

  Wait a minimum of 4 hours before reattaching the trim.

Painting

• 1

  Coat the sanded Mercedes wood with an oil-based spray primer. Maintain an 8-inch distance between the trim and the spray nozzle as you apply. Wait 3 hours for the primer to dry.

• 2

  Coat the sanded Mercedes wood with an acrylic enamel. Maintain an 8-inch distance between the trim and the spray nozzle as you apply.

• 3

  Wait a minimum of 4 hours before reattaching the trim.