Teak Work

[AA3NK]

The teak on many of these boats has been varnished and I suppose that folks just use whatever marine grade exterior varnish is available from the chandlery or hardware outfitters. I am about to redo the finish on the hand rails along the cabin trunk of my Luders 36 and will listen to advice as may be offered.

What kind of sand paper is recommended for this job? Is there any economy found in purchasing a box of paper in various grits? How about using a paint stripper or chemical remover? Is that ill-recommended?

As for selecting varnish, would you recommend getting it in quart size cans or a gallon?

Bob in Rockport

[camaraderie]

AA3...There's a lot of discussion on Varnish and varnish alternatives on this board and if you do a search you can access it.
But...to answer your specific question on hand rails and assuming you will varnish and the old stuff is bad...
1. Use 100 grit to take off the old stuff. Be as gentle as you can and try not to take any more WOOD off than necessary.
2. Use 200 grit to obtain a smooth bare wood finish.
3. Wipe down with a tack cloth.
4. Get a quart of EPIPHANES or other fine varnish and a good 1" bristle brush. Apply your first coat of varnish and let dry.
5. Rough up finish with 400 grit paper and wipe down with tack cloth and apply another coat of varnish.
6. Repeat 5 or 6 times.

It helps to tape off the rails with BLUE scotch masking tape.
Paper is cheap...a little palm sander makes the job go easier and quicker...and when you get tired of varnishing you can come over to the dark side....CETOL!!! <g>

[AA3NK]

Thanks! I have never used CETOL but the previous owner apparently did!

I am learning the lay of the board on sailnet and will scavenge about for the varnish and wood working areas. Epihanes, 'eh? It's all new to me, these days. Thanks for the reference, I'll have a look at both products.

Bob in Rockport