Cleaning a stained tiller prior to varnishing

[James W]

Afternoon all,

My tiller has previously been stained/oiled I think (new boat to me), and i'd like to varnish it. Clearly just sanding won't get it back to bare wood as the stain has penetrated quite deeply so does anyone have any type as to the best way to clean it up prior to varnishing?

Thanks loads,

James

 

[Lakesailor]

Been there etc.
It might be easier to make a new one.

 

[itchenseadog]

Been there etc.
It might be easier to make a new one.

+1. You would have to ensure you get rid of all the oil cotamination to have a chance of the varnish adhering.

 

[James W]

+1. You would have to ensure you get rid of all the oil cotamination to have a chance of the varnish adhering.

Typical! Maybe i'll just sand and oil it again until it gives up the ghost.....

 

[Lakesailor]

It's the stain that is the problem. Never a good idea. If it has been Teak or Danish oiled you can varnish over them. They are recommended as primers.

But you don't know, of course.

 

[carl170]

I would just try sanding a patch (maybe the end of the tiller?), and see how quickly you get to "good" wood. I did this with mine and it took a bit of elbow grease, but the end result was great.

Nothing to lose trying is there?

Regards

Carl

 

[James W]

It's the stain that is the problem. Never a good idea. If it has been Teak or Danish oiled you can varnish over them. They are recommended as primers.

But you don't know, of course.

Exactly, if I had the faintest idea what was used on there before it would help. Oh well, maybe a trial patch?

 

[ghostlymoron]

You could try overcoating with a modern stain such as international woodskin which has a semi gloss finish if it's gloss you're after.

 

[mudkipper]

How thick is your tiller?

I've just taken my 'grey' laminated tiller back to its original colour with an orbital sander armed with coarse sanding sheet.

There is quite a lot of dust on the floor.............

Finished off with finer sheets by hand

It does look good!

Now for the varnish......