Cabin sole refurbish

[Jim Walsh]

My cabin sole was showing its age and needed some attention. I had no intention of stripping, staining, and applying a topcoat as such a project is beyond my skill (patience) level. The original veneered plywood is actually a good grade of cabin sole ply as the holly inserts are slightly raised from the teak. A feature I've not seen in more modern boats. That is the feature which assured a degree of slip resistance in original installations.
I lightly sanded my sole with 150 and 220 grit sandpaper. More for "tooth" than to remove the existing finish. I used a 5" orbital sander and a hand sanding block. I applied two coats of Interlux Schooner. It was chosen because it is a traditional amber varnish which I hoped might mask some of the numerous "imperfections" acquired over the last 32 years. I chose to use gloss rather than satin finish, primarily because a gloss base with a satin topcoat is deemed superior to numerous coats of gloss. I'm not certain at this time that I will apply a satin topcoat. I'll decide by the time spring arrives.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Really, really nice Jim

You just added to my "To Do" list.

[Jim Walsh]

Thanks. Steve Laume stopped by this afternoon and he didn't laugh (out loud) so it can't be too bad looking.

[Ron M.]

in a previous life I used to restore antique homes. When refinishing floors, often pumpkin pine, typical schedule was 3-4 coats of gloss followed with 2-3 coats satin. it produced an almost 3-dimensional look with depth.

[Steve Laume]

Thanks. Steve Laume stopped by this afternoon and he didn't laugh (out loud) so it can't be too bad looking.

There will be no laughing at such a noble effort and a job well done. It is always great to get those first couple of sealer coats on. Now it is just a matter of building up an additional 6 or 8 coats and it will be magnificent. Or maybe 1 or 2 more in the spring and then just keep sailing with a nicely sealed sole.

It looks great, Steve.