Teak Refinishing on an Older Boat

[backcreeksailor]

If you're looking at interior cabin teak that has an existing varnished finish that's dull. Can you just sand it enough to dull the finish and varnish over it with something like Epiphanes? Or does it have to be sanded to bare wood before you start to make it look right?

Also, the external "oiled" teak grab rails... For ease of care and longevity, is it better to just keep oiling them? Or would it be better to varnish them with something that also has a UV protection additive?

[dvpamenter]

I'm not an expert on finishes, nor anything else for that matter, but I have experience with both questions.
In general, if there is a varnish type of finish you can likely sand to " clean" the surface and then recoat with a varnish type of product. Check your new finish product web site for compatability to be sure.
Regarding the grab rails, if they have been oiled a varnish type of finish won't last. All oil would have to be removed.
Don