TOPIC: Wood sanding question

I'm going to take Waterwings suggestion and do a light sanding/revarnish on the wood of my Crosby Capri. I'm not going down to bare wood; I just want some fresh protection, as I've never touched the wood. What grade sandpaper do you guys suggest to get rid of that old top layer. Any sanding techniques? Going with the grain seems safe. Should I put down a coat, let it dry, sand again and then another coat? What kind of marine-grade varnish is the best? All the lakes here are freah water.
Thanks for any advice. Newbie here.

Brian

Brian,
I would use something like 320 grit and sand with the grain. I used Epifanes on mine but it isn't cheap compared to other products out there. Pettit makes good stuff to from what I hear. Some other folks can jump in here and makes suggestions also. Be patient, it may not happen right away.

Bob

When I revarnish I do a light sanding with 400 w/d. Use plenty of water to keep flushing the grit off. Wash down with Dawn dishwashing soap to remove any residue wax, oil, grease etc and rinse real good again otherwise you will get the dreaded fisheye. Believe it or not I have had excellent results with Valspar gloss polyurethane in a rattle can. High gloss you could shave in and scratch resistant hard finish. I used this on the sides of my mahogany Sabre and only need a touch up every three years.

Use marine spar varnish. Do not use polyurethane on a boat.

Sand with the grain. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN and CLEAN again before varnishing. That goes for the boat and all the surrounding space. Maybe thin the varnish 20% for the first coat.

Pour the varnish into a small plastic container (do not dip the brush into the varnish can) like a cool whip tub. And only pour enuff to do the job. Don't pour any left over varnish back into the can.

Remove hardware, etc.. from the boat prior to sanding and cleaning and varishing.

Make sure the temperaure is per the varnish cn instructions.

Andreas

Andreas is exactly correct every step of the way, proper prep is everything!
JAG

Agree with everything said, except I use ONLY urethane varnish, Interlux #95, on my wood projects.

I used Pettit 1015 Captains high build varnish and it worked great!!

You must sand between coats or the outer coats can peal off. Nasty! Sand with the grain. Light sanding with anything in the 250 to 400 range will do for a refresher coat. Depending on the boat, I have used both marine spar varnish or polyurethane with good results from either one. Spar varnish will yellow over time, some urethanes are more UV stable. All I've ever done is sand, wipe with a cloth moistened with mineral spirits, and coat with varnish. I prefer a natural bristle brush, but good results can be obtained with any good quality, clean brush. When I apply the varnish, first I lay it on with the brush to cover the surface. I come back a second time to spread it evenly and a very light touch, with the grain, my third time over just to finally even the spread. (all in the course of 45 seconds or so)I find this method gives me the best and closest look to original factory finish.

Good luck. Have fun.

Todd

Thanks for all your input guys.

Brian

I can't remember what my #95 can says between coats. It's either 220 or 320, but I believe it's 220. Your product instructions will tell you. Also, I've experimented on my 55 Century Resorter. I assume what's on there now is spar varnish. I sanded a pristene area under a step pad I removed and revarnished the area with Interlux #95. No reaction what so ever. Dried very nicely.

Brian,

Did you use a foam brush or bristle?

I've used both Wooster foam brushes and good quality china bristle. Pretty much the same result from each. Foam brush, use once and throw away. Bristle brush, maybe 3-4 uses then toss. Price about the same. I guess I feel more comfortable using the new foam brush for each coat, but probably shouldn't. After about the 12th coat it's a little hard to tell the difference. And again, cleanliness is the key.

Although I used Captain's varnish for many years, I've switched to Petit Easypoxy 2056 Hi-Build varnish. I like everything about it...very user-friendly, easy application, good flow-out, great finish...and fairly cheap. You can get it on Ebay from Wholesale-Marine for $22.97/quart. Here's the result:

Beautious. Urethane?

Absolutely beautiful finish, Nautilus. I use Wholesale Marine ( www.wholesalemarine.com ) as well, for about four years now for various different things. Great folks, reasonable shipping charges, really good prices.