Handrail Refurb

[Dino]

Hi, I'm about to tackle the handrails on my boat. They are stainless steel posts with heavy teak or iroko handrails on top. They are in a pretty bad way with the varnish all peeling off. My plan is to remove them, scrape them and then sand. I had good results using Woodskin on the teak bathing platform last year but I would prefer something a bit glossier for the handrails.
My local paint suppliers recommended Sikkens Cetol HLS plus followed by Cetol Filter 7.
They don't do a clear version so should I use the teak colour or will this be very dark?
Is this Cetol product a matt or satin finish? Is there anything similar to this with a gloss finish like varnish?

Thanks

 

[doug748]

I don't think you will see a great difference between the gloss on Woodskin or the Cetol marketed products. With both you seem to get a fair amount but it fades quite quickly. Traditional varnish may be the solution.

A couple of years ago I did my handrails in one and the toerail in another, and there was little difference after a season. As Cetol stuff is obtainable at something like half the price, that is my preferred option. I think I should stick with the teak colour, it is dark but does not look too out of place till the layers start to build up by which time it is often due to be removed, in order to start again.

I have just bought a tin of HLS + in Pine and looking at the yukki, toffee colour do not much like the cut of it's jib. Not used it yet though.
I dispense with the overcoat of Filter 7 which may not be ideal but does work, and saves a bit of cash and aggravation. Used to do this with the old Novatech/Novatop and never met with abject failure.

 

[mogmog2]

I'm new to all this & never done any of this before. I was (and still am probably) going for Woodskin but Cetol keeps cropping up. I've just looked at the two products dherraghty mentioned and am unclear:

Doug748, the HLS appears to have a stain function only? While the filter 7 has protective properties. It seems to me that the filter 7 is the product to keep & dispense with the stain HLS? Especially as no-one ever seems happy with stain colours. I feel as if I've missed something?

 

[Boathook]

I've started to use Ronseal hardwood furniture 'varnish' on my handrails. It seems to wear well and is easy to apply. Still early days though.

 

[doug748]

I'm new to all this & never done any of this before. I was (and still am probably) going for Woodskin but Cetol keeps cropping up. I've just looked at the two products dherraghty mentioned and am unclear:

Doug748, the HLS appears to have a stain function only? While the filter 7 has protective properties. It seems to me that the filter 7 is the product to keep & dispense with the stain HLS? Especially as no-one ever seems happy with stain colours. I feel as if I've missed something?

Hello dh' & mo'
They are both stains, in respect that they change the colour of the wood by having pigment in them, both are available in the same range of colours. They have similar chemistry. HLS+ can be used on it's own:

"Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus can be used on its own or over-coated with Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus"

Filter 7 is said to be a finishing coat but the makers only claim enhanced UV protection, not extra gloss or gloss retention. Of course it may well make all the difference but my guess is, probably not. If you give the Filter 7 topcoat a shot let us know how it works.

 

[colind3782]

I haven't found a varnish to last a season given the UV in Spain. I've sanded them back and will leave them natural.

 

[mogmog2]

Hello dh' & mo'
They are both stains, in respect that they change the colour of the wood by having pigment in them, both are available in the same range of colours. They have similar chemistry. HLS+ can be used on it's own:

"Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus can be used on its own or over-coated with Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus"

Filter 7 is said to be a finishing coat but the makers only claim enhanced UV protection, not extra gloss or gloss retention. Of course it may well make all the difference but my guess is, probably not. If you give the Filter 7 topcoat a shot let us know how it works.

Thanks. Funnily, I believe them about UV filters and it probably helps, but at the cost of er, cost and having to paint everything twice
Hmmm.

If you give the Filter 7 topcoat a shot let us know how it works.

trouble is that's the more expensive part of their two-part system & if it doesn't work...
I'm still in with Woodskin I think. AFAIK, people find the "natural teak" colour not overly offensive - I don't want my brightwork to have the David Dickinson look