Ultimate Sole

[Neicy]

Does anyone have any experience with the "Ultimate Sole" product for refinishing Holly-Sole floor boards?

[teshannon]

I've used it on mine as have a good number of other people on this site with excellent results. It goes on easy, provides a good surface finish that is not the least bit slippery. I would not use anything else. It is not suitable however for exterior finishes. If you search the forums for Ultimate Sole you should find a lot of positive feedback.

[Faster]

...What he said!

[camaraderie]

Ultimate Sole is one of the TWO universally recommended products of our members. (The other being the Miracle Cloth). We argue about everything else! It is simply fantastic stuff and read the threads here on application tips.

[Neicy]

The boards on my boat are loose, there are approximately 6 pcs, 2x3, and 3 pcs 1x2 plus the cut outs in the shower, head area. My plan is to remove them, bring them home to sand, refinish etc. So In the opinion of you that have used it, would it be easier to just remove and do them all at one or say 3-4 pcs at a time. Thanks for you thoughts.

[cpa2]

been using it for a couple years. love it!

[blt2ski]

Your plan is what I did last summer. I brought them ALL home in pickup, and sanded in my garage on a 4x8 sheet of plywood set on stands.

Following the directions is good. What I found, and others can chime in here, is between the 1st and 2nd coat, while directions say to just apply the 2nd coat no sanding, I found a quick wet sand with 400 grit was needed. Otherwise I did not get a smooth surface with the second coat.


So far after about 9 months, it is looking well, working well etc. I also did a removable stairs engine cover with US instead of varnish too. I am hoping this will stay a bit long on this high use area vs spar varnish as the rest of the interior was redone in.

Marty

[Faster]

Originally Posted by Neicy

The boards on my boat are loose, there are approximately 6 pcs, 2x3, and 3 pcs 1x2 plus the cut outs in the shower, head area. My plan is to remove them, bring them home to sand, refinish etc. So In the opinion of you that have used it, would it be easier to just remove and do them all at one or say 3-4 pcs at a time. Thanks for you thoughts.

I'd do them all at once if you have the space to lay out all the pieces (flat and level is best)

Also lay it on quite wet.. if you try to "stretch" it out as you go it can dry looking a bit streaky.

I think you'll be happy with the look - the nonslip nature is surprising.. we put it on our table too and you can feel the drag when you wipe it with a wet cloth.

[Neicy]

Would I be assuming correctly that this is a job I may be able to bring home one weekend and put them on the boat the next weekend? Or should I let them cure a bit longer. In searching info I did read one post where the person said they put rugs down on Ultimate and the finish turned sticky/dark? Anyone have any input regarding why that happened.

[camaraderie]

DO NOT sand between coats unless you wait at leat 48 hours for the finish to harden. Wet sanding between coats will make for an even better finish but IMHO is unnecessary since you're gonna be walking on the stuff.
Most floorboards these days have about 5mm of ACTUAL teak and holly over the plywood so be VERY cautious in your initial sanding...I would use varnish remover and a scraper rather than sandpaper to remove old varnish. Certainly do nothing more than 200 grit if you do need to do some sanding.

The Ultimate Sole goes on with a FOAM brush. Do NOT use a bristle brush. Lowe's sells a smoother foam brush than the normal 50 cent ones that I have found works wonders in keeping the finish smooth and bubble free.

Decorator's Choice 1 1/2" Foam Brush