Varnish for companionway stairs on Cat 320

[Tenedos]

I am trying to refinish the companionway stairs on my Cat 320. I sanded them, requires a bit more sanding but it is getting there.

My question is what kind of material to use for varnishing? Some Googling got me Waterlox but there are different types and I was a bit confused.

Should I use a Waterlox Marine or (considering that is inside) will non-Marine Waterlox do the job as well?

Also for Waterlox Marine, do I both need both sealer and the finish?

And finally anyone knows if I buy Waterlox in California, they don't seem to ship directly here, regulations??

I guess I asked a lot, thanks a lot in advance.

 

[Claygr]

Try Catalina Direct - they most likely have the same varnish used by Catalina Yachts in stock. I purchased varnish for our C387 and it matches up exactly. Call them if you don't see it on the website.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

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My question is what kind of material to use for varnishing? Some Googling got me Waterlox but there are different types and I was a bit confused.

If you want a finish that will last forever, consider covering with light glass cloth and clear epoxy resin. A fair bit of extra work but mine still look like wet varnish after four years .......... and lot's of little grubby sandy feet.

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=993090&highlight=companionway

 

[LakeOntario270]

Catalina originally used, at least on the 270, a water based hybrid varnish. Target coatings makes the descendant of that varnish, EM2000.

http://www.targetcoatings.com/products/interior-top-coats/em2000-waterborne-alkyd-varnish.html

For the stairs use the semi-gloss. It dries in less than an hour and does not smell.