How to Dry a Pinewood Derby Car

A Pinewood Derby project can be a bonding experience between a father and son. The Pinewood Derby races have been a staple of the Boy Scouts for decades, with the ubiquitous cars flying down the slotted and angled race tracks. When building a Pinewood Derby car you might choose to varnish, paint or lacquer the car. Cars are made of a lightweight wood that absorbs the pigments. Drying the cars should be done in a dry room.

Things You'll Need

• Newspapers
• Stop watch or timer

Instructions

1. Spread newspapers on your work bench or flat working surface.

2. Set the painted or lacquered Pinewood Derby car onto the newspapers after the paint has been applied. Do not attach the wheels yet, as they may become sticky form the paint, varnish or lacquer.

3. Consult the paint or varnish canister to see the recommended drying time for the material. Check to see if the paint has recommendations for drying times when applied to pine.

4. Set the timer or stopwatch for the appropriate drying time and place in a location where the alarm can be heard.

5. Let the Pinewood Derby car dry in the room until the time is over and you may resume building the car.

References

• Maximum Velocity: Pinewood Derby Plans
• Drying Pine for a Trestle Table
• Craftsman Style: PInewood Characteristics and Qaulities