1984 31' - Varnish?

[Don]

I am preparing to revarnish my recently acquired 1984 H31'. The interior has definately been revarnished in the past but many areas need a new coat. I am hoping not to have to strip the old off but rather add a new coat. What type of varnish should I use and what methods of surface preparation can you suggest?I really need help here as wood finish is not one of my strong points. For example the unpainted basement trim in my house. I have been planning to get that done for 2 years!Thanks.

 

[Tim]

INTERIOR VARNISH

Don: Varnish belowdecks may look good, especially on the bulkheads/cabnets/ etc., but is a VERY bad idea for the deck. The last thing you want is a slick deck below when you are trying to work your way to the head in pounding seas!  I gave up on varnish years ago and experimented with many alternative products until I finally settled on Cetol for the exterior teak and just plain oil in the interior. I renew the oil 2-3 times per season and again once during the winter. Since you already have the interior varnished and as long as it is not in terrible condition (and aren't too picky about it looking like a million dollar yacht!) you can lightly sand (suggest you start with 100 grit and work to 200) around the worst areas and then give the whole interior a light sanding. Then, AND THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART!, get every little bit of dust up with a vaccum cleaner followed by a lot of elbow grease with a clean tack cloth. Then just apply the varnish in accordance with the directions on the can.  Good luck from a reformed varnisher!Tim