Wood Steps - Hunter 450 Passage

[sunniedays]

Wondering how to care for the steps on our Hunter 450. The wood is in great shape but the finish has dulled. Any suggestions?

 

[Rick D]

If I recall correctly, your companionway steps look a lot like mine.

I used a polyurethane semi-gloss finish with a UV inhibitor. Specifically, Minwax Spar Urethane. Unfortunately, I can only get the water-based stuff locally now due to Air Quality Management District's regulation and it is not as durable.

Anyhow, the stuff is tough and easy to apply I get (got) about a year between coatings, and that's with heavy use. (Now six months with the water-based stuff.) Scuff it down with a 3-m pad or light sanding with 150 grit and vacuum or brush out all the debris from the grooves. I use several sizes of foam brush to apply. Between coatings, I clean it with a wood floor cleaner and keep it clean with a vacuum.

 

[sunniedays]

If I recall correctly, your companionway steps look a lot like mine.

I used a polyurethane semi-gloss finish with a UV inhibitor. Specifically, Minwax Spar Urethane. Unfortunately, I can only get the water-based stuff locally now due to Air Quality Management District's regulation and it is not as durable.

Anyhow, the stuff is tough and easy to apply I get (got) about a year between coatings, and that's with heavy use. (Now six months with the water-based stuff.) Scuff it down with a 3-m pad or light sanding with 150 grit and vacuum or brush out all the debris from the grooves. I use several sizes of foam brush to apply. Between coatings, I clean it with a wood floor cleaner and keep it clean with a vacuum.

Thanks so much for the quick reply with what seems like great information. We will have those steps looking good as new in no time!