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satin to gloss

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by migg48, Oct 21, 2009.

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  1. migg48

    migg48 New Member

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    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
  2. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    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.
  3. migg48

    migg48 New Member

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    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.
  4. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    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).
  5. migg48

    migg48 New Member

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    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.
  6. Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

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    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
  7. Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    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
  8. Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

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    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
  9. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    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.