Refinishing hand rails and pulpit insert

[DaveK]

The project to refinish the handrails and the bow pulpit insert are quickly rising to the top of the ever growing list of things to do. In the past I have used Helmsman Spar Urethane on a prior boat after removing all existing coatings and was happy with the results. I'm just looking for opinions regarding using spar urethane, the primary advantage I see is being able to apply multiple coats in one day and without sanding between. Would like to hear from anyone who may have used urethane in the past and says never again or if there have been good results.

 

[magnawake]

I havent found anything that you dont need to apply more coats within 1 year. I always sand between coats and make sure its dry before applying another coat. Epethanes is what I used. I keep my wood covered with canvas but my swim platform steps take a beating. No fun sanding all the way down. Its better to keep up with it but its hard when we cruise so much.

 

[bobk]

One word. Cetol! Check earlier posts.

obk

 

[savarese1]

We use Bristol. You can apply multiple coats in one day using the wet method, than a light sand the following year and apply a few more coats. We utilized this for the past several years with great results.

 

[Toolsntoys]

I am planning on doing mine with a penetrating two part epoxy to seal the wood and then spraying a two part urethane clear for UV protection.

 

[SEVEN]

Report back on the life span of the urethane finish coat. Epoxy is very hard finish for rails as they expand and contract but if it works it works.

 

[SEVEN]

I am planning on doing mine with a penetrating two part epoxy to seal the wood and then spraying a two part urethane clear for UV protection.

I've sent you a private message please review and respond. Thanks Rusty

 

[Boatsb]

Look into awlwood. It's a new system for just this type of work.

I'm going to try it on my old pool table this spring.

 

[GJH]

Big believer in Epifanes Wood Finish here, it held up terrifically on our boat including the custom stairs to the flying bridge and the floor of the aft deck where it really took a beating from furniture, sun, water and footsteps. We lived aboard full time and used the dinghy and swim platform year around, and the aft deck was the most used room on the boat . It is another that doen't require sanding between coats.

I tried Cetol "natural" on my pulpit insert, a friend had some around and rec'd it, and I wasn't very impressed even with multiple coats and good prep. Wish I'd used the Epifanes. I added some of the little Awlgrip glass anti-skid beads, which was a good idea.

 

[Toolsntoys]

I've used epifanes before and loved the stuff.

 

[oscarvan]

Surface prep is (always) everything. I have seen amazing results and longevity with CPES:


http://www.smithandcompany.org/varnishpriming.html

Top it off with your favorite varnish, sanding between coats until smooth.

You'll get that "glass" yacht finish that will last for a long time as the water can no longer get behind it.

 

[jrbrein]

I have used Cetol, West Epoxy and several different varnishes over the years and my personal favorite is Epifanes Varnish using "Jet Speed" as a primer.

Starting with bare wood, I applied 2 - 3 coats of Jet Speed (which is a thinned varnish) in one to two days without sanding in between coats. Then Epifanes, 2 - 3 coats (or more if you like), sanding with 220 grit in between coats. I used this on the handrails and large wooden toe rails of my sailboat. I only recall putting one additional coat on every 2 - 3 years before selling the boat after 10 years. It looked beautiful!!

I have had West epoxy fail on exterior teak after a few years. Cetol is good stuff but I just love the look of a good varnished semi-gloss finish.

For interior woods I also use the Jet Speed primer on bare wood followed by multiple coats of any one part polyurethane (semi-gloss or satin). There is no UV protection with the polyrethanes that I have used. Overall, I think the Jet Speed just seems to bring out the grains of the wood better.

Hey, that is also part of boating!

Jonathan