Cleaning/Refinishing companionway steps
- Thread starter Richandhelen
- Start date
I've had good luck using a 25% dilute solution of Murphy's Oil Soap (I keep it in a spray bottle) then Watco Teak Oil.
Refinished them once about five years ago and haven't touched them since.
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1181464&highlight=companionway
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I have the PERFECT solution
Very patiently I might add
Ok, so you know on your stairs you have the slots which are cut into the surface?
I found that they continually filled full of sand, grime, and other junk.
I never could figure out why Hunter did these slots to begin with.
So, I decided to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
I was looking for a way to have a non-slip surface for running shoes
And, wanted to get rid of the constant build up of crud.
The first thing I did was apply several costs of satin varnish. It made the stairs look quite nice, and sealed the wood much better than the original oil finish.
But here is the really neat trick.
You can purchase O ring cordage in many different diameters from industrial suppliers, such as mcmaster Carr.
What you want to get is O ring stock with a diameter approximately 1/8" larger than the slot width.
Then you simply lay it in the slot with a fine bead of crazy glue underneath it.
The result is just fabulous
I have been waiting for someone to ask this.
Very patiently I might add
Ok, so you know on your stairs you have the slots which are cut into the surface?
I found that they continually filled full of sand, grime, and other junk.
I never could figure out why Hunter did these slots to begin with.
So, I decided to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
I was looking for a way to have a non-slip surface for running shoes
And, wanted to get rid of the constant build up of crud.
The first thing I did was apply several costs of satin varnish. It made the stairs look quite nice, and sealed the wood much better than the original oil finish.
But here is the really neat trick.
You can purchase O ring cordage in many different diameters from industrial suppliers, such as mcmaster Carr.
What you want to get is O ring stock with a diameter approximately 1/8" larger than the slot width.
Then you simply lay it in the slot with a fine bead of crazy glue underneath it.
The result is just fabulous
Thanks Rick
They look seriously professional.
If anyone is going to do this, make sure to slice a nice 45 degree angle at each end to finish it nicely.
These hold up amazingly well. I mean, they will never come off.
Not sure if you know, but crazy glue is exactly what you use when making custom size O rings from the bulk stock.
So, just imagine how it adheres to varnish. It will never let go.
As stated, you want the O ring just proud of the stairs. You shoes will never slip.
BTW Rick,,
I notice that every time I post my stuff, you reply within about 5 minutes. Always very complementary as well (thanks)
Do you have a bell that goes off when I submit stuff?
Just wondering.
I just couldn't believe how great these looked when I did them.
They look seriously professional.
If anyone is going to do this, make sure to slice a nice 45 degree angle at each end to finish it nicely.
These hold up amazingly well. I mean, they will never come off.
Not sure if you know, but crazy glue is exactly what you use when making custom size O rings from the bulk stock.
So, just imagine how it adheres to varnish. It will never let go.
As stated, you want the O ring just proud of the stairs. You shoes will never slip.
BTW Rick,,
I notice that every time I post my stuff, you reply within about 5 minutes. Always very complementary as well (thanks)
Do you have a bell that goes off when I submit stuff?
Just wondering.
Very cool idea. Thanks....we are either on the same schedule, or I need to get a life
How did you prep the wood before you (re)finished it?
I found another way to fill the slots and still have a non-slip surface. After sanding, mask off the flat surface of the step, leaving just the slots visible. Run a bead of polyurethane roof and flashing sealant into the slot and fill the slot a bit higher than the tape. Remove the tape and let the sealant cure. After varnishing the entire step, trim the excess sealant with a dull razor blade, so it won't cut in to the varnish.
