During the holidays, normal routines have been disrupted, and I haven't had the freedom for daily or lengthy work on the camper project. While Lil' Queeny sat quietly - and very well behaved I might add - there in the garage, often in the dark, DW and I enjoyed times with family, two movies at the theaters, visits with friends and general lazing about. Lil' Willy has been a good example for our new addition, as he stood uncomplaining beneath Lil' Queeny's aluminum covering. I turned down the heat, but never off. Those two do just fine out there!
Now that's not to say I didn't visit - I did! I actually had DW's help and we lifted the fridge down from the top shelf and put it in place for a test fit. I think perhaps a word or two like "whoops" slipped from my lips as we found my careful rough opening measurements were maybe a bit TOO careful. Had to do a little work there - which I'll post at a later date.
I also gave Lil Queeny her promised Christmas gift, a several hour long hand-rubbed finish! I'm not sure if I was picking up quiet but audible escapes of ecstasy, or if it was simply the wood creaking because so much of the front camper support has been removed, but suffice to say, Lil Queeny now displays a rosier countenance than before I began! But before the pleasure there is slight discomfort; I started with sanding.
Never-the-less I used the power sander in a very limited way this time, just right along the ceiling edge with the front wall of the cab-over segment where the water stains were worst and some around the window openings. But most of it was careful hand sanding in initial grits from 60 to 220 depending on the location. As stated once before, I intend to just finish all the cab-over bunk ceiling and wall wood, and make a decision later as to which parts will be replaced, covered up, or otherwise strengthened and/or supported. Here's where the sanding kind of started.
And then later with the wood stain applied (you know, that hand rubbed thing, and I wore latex gloves just like those guys at the airport).
And finally, in time, the tinted poly finish with a brush.
I noticed the stained and the poly photos look the same. The colors aren't transferring correctly to the photographs, but the poly has again given a nice reddish tone to the woodwork. Next step, a light steel wool smoothing and another coat of poly. By the time that gets done the edges will be ready to receive the camper box front wall and we'll be back to building!
