Ash Interior Touch Up

[JLR]

Does anyone know where I can buy some touch up stain for my ash interior? The Hatteras book says it was made by Guardsman with an mfg number of 404-0161 and a Hatteras part number of 96535. SAMS does not carry it and I can't seem to find it online.

 

[SeaEric]

The problem is that the color has most likely changed over time since new. So even with the original stain, it won't match what you have now. Tell me what exactly you're wanting to do? New wood made to match existing, touch up damaged, worn or water stained areas? I have done this with acceptable results and I can tell you how but it may make you cringe. A few photos of what existing color looks like will help.

 

[JLR]

Thanks Eric. I will have to get some photos. There is a small strip, about 10 inches long or so, where my pilothouse door meets a wood corner. That 10" by about 1/2" strip of wood, that can only be seen when the pilothouse door is open, needs to be touched up. It appears as if the stain has worn off over time. It's not very noticeable or a big deal but I am running out of projects so it's time to find some.

 

[JLR]

Just spoke with Guardsman. They were acquired by Lilly and then Valspar. There is no carry through on the product number. Unfortunately, it will be hit or miss. However, although the boat is a '96, when the PO purchased it in '06, he had the entire interior wood refinished (as in touched up). I'll have to check those records to see if the invoice shows the product used. Long way around for at most, a five minute job.

 

[SeaEric]

Here's how I have done this in the past: I removed an existing panel from the boat and took it to a good paint store. I had them do a "custom eye match" on a paint color that would closely match the stain. I had them make me a quart in semi-gloss oil based paint. We then thinned that paint and did a touch up with that. it worked beautifully. This method is 10% science and 90% art. As always, YMMV.

 

[JLR]

Thank you.