The teak and holly sole on my soon to be purchased 1984 Hunter 31 has really darkened. I am Leary about using a teak cleaner as it is too caustic and will damage the pulp between the grain. Heavy sanding is not an option because of the thin veneer. Has anyone had any luck restoring theirs Thanks Steve
- Status
Sand and Varnish
If the sole is varnished what worked for me was to sand and varnish it. Used a random orbital sander with a fairly fine grit, I think 220, to privide some "tooth" for the varnish. Better to err on the light side than sand too much. In fact, sand lightly with the sander than hand sand lightly those areas where there should be a bit more tooth. Don't go through the existing varnish or the finish won't match. Used Schooner varnish with a foam brush. Dust and wipe down using the recommended stuff that Schooner specifies. If not using Schooner then read the instructions for that brand and use their recommended products. Brush INTO the wet varnish for smoothest finish. For the last coat or two I'm going to use my good varnish brush. Started on this two years ago and still haven't finsihed the project. Re varnishing will probably not change the color. You'll just get a shinner finish of the same color you have. You didn't say if it was oiled - this will darken too. See picture attached.
If the sole is varnished what worked for me was to sand and varnish it. Used a random orbital sander with a fairly fine grit, I think 220, to privide some "tooth" for the varnish. Better to err on the light side than sand too much. In fact, sand lightly with the sander than hand sand lightly those areas where there should be a bit more tooth. Don't go through the existing varnish or the finish won't match. Used Schooner varnish with a foam brush. Dust and wipe down using the recommended stuff that Schooner specifies. If not using Schooner then read the instructions for that brand and use their recommended products. Brush INTO the wet varnish for smoothest finish. For the last coat or two I'm going to use my good varnish brush. Started on this two years ago and still haven't finsihed the project. Re varnishing will probably not change the color. You'll just get a shinner finish of the same color you have. You didn't say if it was oiled - this will darken too. See picture attached.
Attachments
Floro refinishing
I have refinished the floor of my 1989 30 by sanding with 120,(go easy), 220, 320, 400 in this order with a random orbital sander. I have used Epiphane clear varnish. Dilute the first coat 50% with thinner and the secoond coat 10% with thinner. Then apply 5 additional coats straight up. Use a tack cloth between coats to remove all dust and sand by HAND with 400 grit LIGHTLY between coats. You will be amazes what the floor will look like when finished.
I have refinished the floor of my 1989 30 by sanding with 120,(go easy), 220, 320, 400 in this order with a random orbital sander. I have used Epiphane clear varnish. Dilute the first coat 50% with thinner and the secoond coat 10% with thinner. Then apply 5 additional coats straight up. Use a tack cloth between coats to remove all dust and sand by HAND with 400 grit LIGHTLY between coats. You will be amazes what the floor will look like when finished.
Another Plug for Epiphane Varnish
In my previous post I almost mentioned Epiphanes but didn't and I'm glad that Dave did. When my Schooner runs out I'm switching over to Epiphanes. Even the cheap stuff isn't cheap so you don't just go throwing stuff away! The switch will based on what I feel is an excellent recommendation from someone who's opinion I value greatly. Thanks for the post Dave!
In my previous post I almost mentioned Epiphanes but didn't and I'm glad that Dave did. When my Schooner runs out I'm switching over to Epiphanes. Even the cheap stuff isn't cheap so you don't just go throwing stuff away! The switch will based on what I feel is an excellent recommendation from someone who's opinion I value greatly. Thanks for the post Dave!
- Status