The start of the winter projects

[Photolomy]

These look very nice. Btw, since the rails came natural from the factory without any coating, what was the intendeed care and maintenance? Oiling them once a month?

[jmooney]

The rails look great , I have seen boats with rails painted white , I think this takes a lot of value out of a boat. You mentioned bleaching, this is something that I should have done . Does it change any dark or black areas to natural teak color?

[SEVEN]

The rails look great , I have seen boats with rails painted white , I think this takes a lot of value out of a boat. You mentioned bleaching, this is something that I should have done . Does it change any dark or black areas to natural teak color?

The Bleaching removes the gray mostly. It doesn’t change the grain color, so if the wood has naturally dark grain that will not change. You can see in some of the photos how the three pieces may be different and they take the varnish just a little different. I think it’s got a real classy look. A friend of mine when a different direction with his rails. After he stripped and bleached, he applied three coats of epoxy and then sprayed three coats of Alex seal clear. He feels that this is going to outlast the Varnish 10 to 1. And he’s probably right. So we’re going to do a test and see.

[SEVEN]

These look very nice. Btw, since the rails came natural from the factory without any coating, what was the intendeed care and maintenance? Oiling them once a month?

I was unaware that they came and un-coated. Maybe one of the members who own Hatteras is for a lot longer than I could answer that question. I certainly like to Varnish to look.

[SEVEN]

Heat guns work great on removing varnish including 2 part finishes . The thicker the finish the better using heat . I have covers for our rails , but I am not sure that it helps that much .

I have covers for mine as well. I think one thing that really helps/works is to put a clear water repellent on the covers at least once or twice a year. Once the fabric loses it’s waterproof coating the water just sits on the surface and helps to destroy the finish.

[Photolomy]

I was unaware that they came and un-coated. Maybe one of the members who own Hatteras is for a lot longer than I could answer that question. I certainly like to Varnish to look.

Mine were uncoated, and I am the second owner. It lived its life mostly under cover (up north) but the Florida sun has been harsh. Maybe Hatteras used a light coating of something, but nothing that would leave a residue. I don't think any of the wood was varnished.

[SEVEN]

Well I’m finally done and the handrails are installed. They look fantastic if I do say so myself. Here are a few photos.I ended up putting nine coats of varnish on. The photos below are before and after shots.

[SEVEN]

Finally done

[Scarlett]

Looks great Rusty, to bad you have to put covers over them, but with your climate I’m sure that’s a good idea. John

[JD5652]

Super job!.... looks FANTASTIC!

Had mine done over the summer as well and I also have covers that do seem to help.