Cabin sole varnish recommendations?

[Ammonite]

One of my winter projects is to revarnish my teak and holly (c. 1mm veneer) cabin sole. Im planning on using card scraper so I dont sand through the veneer but Im not sure what varnish to use? I've used Ronseal Diamond Hard varnish on another boat but it didnt last 5 minutes in my case and wore away in high traffic areas within a few weeks. Given the amount of prep Im looking for something that will really last. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Leighb]

I am surprised by your experience of Diamond Hard. I did all the floorboards in the wheelhouse of our Storebro, a very high traffic area, a couple of years ago and they still look great apart from a few dents.

 

[Ammonite]

I was also surprised given previous recommendations but Im reluctant to try it again given my own experience. It was done in the warm at home and I left it a couple of weeks before walking on them but there was nothing diamond hard about it!

 

[steve1963]

I did mine with a few layers of epoxy, followed by a couple of layers of 2 part varnish. They look great, and despite a few dents and chips where I have dropped heavy and /or sharp tools onto hem, the surface is very hard-wearing

 

[Concerto]

Earlier this year I stripped my floorboards back to bare wood. I was recommended by Morrells, the industrial suppliers or woodfinishes used in the marine industry, to use their water based Induro XL2 floor lacquer. It is designed for medium to high traffic. So far I am very pleased with the results. Morrells have branches all over the UK.
https://www.morrells.co.uk/products...al-coatings/induro-floor-lacquers/induro-xl2/

Currently I am using their 450 low odour high build acid catalyst lacquer with 30% sheen, exactly the same finish Westerly originally used, on my Fulmar's interior woodwork. This lacquer has been used by most British boat builders - sail and power.
https://www.morrells.co.uk/products...0-low-odour-high-build-acid-catalyst-lacquer/

 

[Ammonite]

Thanks Concerto. I'll take a closer look but I like the sound of this. I suspect its hideously expensive but if it lasts I would be more than happy paying more!

 

[Minchsailor]

I've used 6 coats of Blackfiars one pack polyurethane floor varnish on my floorboards 4-5 years ago and its has lasted remarkably well

 

[robmcg]

Ronseal ultra hard satin has lasted many years on ours.

 

[tjbrace]

I used polyester layup resin on one section a few years ago, very successful, so i shall do the rest at some point.

 

[sailorman]

I am surprised by your experience of Diamond Hard. I did all the floorboards in the wheelhouse of our Storebro, a very high traffic area, a couple of years ago and they still look great apart from a few dents.

Me too but i use Blackfriars, same stuff 1/2 price

 

[ip485]

You cant beat two part varnish. It stinks but nothing comes close for hardness of finish and it is well worth the effort and expense.

 

[Concerto]

Thanks Concerto. I'll take a closer look but I like the sound of this. I suspect its hideously expensive but if it lasts I would be more than happy paying more!

They sold me just one litre for £10. So way more "expensive" than the marine equivalents.

I was recommended to use 2 or 3 coats. I applied 3 coats, but I have more than enough for at least one more coat. Used a brush and had no brush strokes showing, I did brush along the grain. The brush was easy to washout with soap and water.

 

[Skellum]

They sold me just one litre for £10. So way more "expensive" than the marine equivalents.

I was recommended to use 2 or 3 coats. I applied 3 coats, but I have more than enough for at least one more coat. Used a brush and had no brush strokes showing, I did brush along the grain. The brush was easy to washout with soap and water.

It looks very nice.