satin to gloss

migg48 · 10-21-2009, 08:02 PM

I hope I'm not asking a question too simple for some of you experts, but here goes:

I am interested in a boat that has a beautiful teak interior (Alden 56), with a satin finish. I prefer a gloss finish. Do I need to sand everything in order to change it?

Thanks,

Mike Moore

Capt. Bill11 · 10-21-2009, 10:41 PM

Short answer, yes.

But depending on the type of finish that is already on it and the type of gloss finish you are going to put on top of it, you might get away with just wiping the old finish down with say "Liquid Sandpaper" and then recoating.

But even though I've done it with good results, I'd advice against it and just do it right.

migg48 · 10-21-2009, 11:12 PM

Thanks. I was afraid that would be the case. Lots of work, but I guess if I go far enough to buy the boat I ought to go all the way to get what I want.

Thanks again.

Capt J · 10-22-2009, 01:13 AM

It depends.

It depends on what is on the satin teak. Find out from the manufacturer what they used, depending on what it is, you'd have to very lightly sand it and use a few coats of clear of the same manufacturer/type and it will go right on top and make it shiny.

After managing many different yachts, I can tell you one thing I personally would go with the satin. The clear looks nice for a few years and then they all start turning milky looking and horrible. I haven't had one yacht where the interior looked nice once it got older......I've never had an issue with satin woodwork except where saltwater has run down on it over time (such as a window leak).

migg48 · 10-22-2009, 11:06 AM

Thank you Capt. J. Excellent point. Also, since Alden is not currently producing I doubt I'd be able to find out what type of finish it has.

Savasa · 10-22-2009, 01:09 PM

Greetings,
One other thing to consider is a matte finish, unlike a gloss finish, will be a lot less likely to show fingerprints/minor scratches.
Peter

FISHTIGUA · 10-22-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savasa

Greetings,
One other thing to consider is a matte finish, unlike a gloss finish, will be a lot less likely to show fingerprints/minor scratches.
Peter

I think a 'rubbed-effect' varnish, Epifanes make one, is better in the interior than matte. Pure gloss is a nightmare to keep clean.

Fish

http://www.epifanes.com/home.htm

Savasa · 10-22-2009, 02:54 PM

Greetings,
You're absolutley right Fish'. Matte was a poor choice of words. Rubbed or satin finish, I think, is the term I should have used-thanks.
Peter

Capt. Bill11 · 10-22-2009, 05:14 PM

I too dislike the high gloss look.

But I stopped using marine satin varnishes years ago in favor of "home" one part urethane products. Far cheaper, very easy to use and very long lasting.

That said, I've just started using a product called "Crab Coat" by Crystalac.

http://www.crystalac.com/products.htm

And so far I'm very impressed.