Re-juvenating faded sapele

[chinita]

My Danish yacht has acres of internal sapele ply which has faded with copious uv over the years.

On the lockers the ply is framed by, what looks to be, elm which polishes up nicely. No amount of any sort of polish makes much difference to the sapele; it comes up nicely for an hour or so - then fades again.

Although having sufficient experience in varnishing I am reluctant to interfere with the original finish.

Any suggestions for remedial action?

TIA.

 

[tillergirl]

Sounds like a candidate for Vandyke Crystals which according to my 'Woodworker's pocket book' give a rich brown colour varying from a deep tone to a light shade. Ideal for oak, walnut (used weak) and occasionally for cold tones of mahogany. I fear whatever you use will be a bit of an experiment and will need to go onto a 'clean' surface. There is also Bichromate of potash which it says is widely used to darken mahogany to which it gives a somewhat cold brown tone (ugh). I wonder what french polish would do. I have a bit of bare sapele in the shed I think, I'll give it a go tomorrow if I have time.

 

[chinita]

Jeez, thanks!

Sounds like I will need three crones dancing around some dying embers at midnight in the Savernake Forrest!

Perhaps I will dig out the le Tonk.

 

[chinita]

Jeez, thanks!

Sounds like I will need three crones dancing around some dying embers at midnight in the Savernake Forrest!

Perhaps I will dig out the le Tonk.