Restoring wood in a Freeman

[crofty1984]

Hello all, I have a Freeman 22 and it's been a bit unloved of late (by a previous owner I hasten to add). The woodwork id looking a bit dull inside, I was wondering what's the best way to really bring it out again?
Is it just a case of sand back and varnish? Or should I use paint stripper and a heat gun, etc?

Any advice appreciated,
Dan

 

[JKay]

http://www.freemancruisers.com/projects/ this site is so good it almost makes you want to buy a Freeman,it says its ok to lightly sand and revarnish,if they are really bad you can even still buy new panels

 

[SimonA]

Not sure if Freeman used solid wood or if it's a veneer, if it's a veneer go easy on the sanding.

My boat has teak veneer, I used a chemical stripper to remove the varnish and then very light sanding by hand before applying new varnish.

 

[alb40]

Have done this on my old freeman with a light sanding and recoat with varnish. They come up well with a few thin coats, thinned to start with. The veneer is thin, so only sand enough to provide a key. I dont think i'd want to use heat or stripper on them. If all else fails, replacements are available as mentioned by others.

 

[ripvan1]

For replacement veneer you could look at page 48 of the interactive book in the following link

http://www.sheridanmarine.com/product/freeman-handbook-projects-solutions-book

I am doing up a MK 1 at present and am considering replacing the mahogany veneer with a lighter one, maybe cherry, white oak or sapele - still researching and costing at present. The existing veneer has delaminated in places and after carefully cutting out affected parts I don't feel it can be patched and matched decently enough so probably easier to remove and replace.

I've been looking at this site and will look at others in due course

http://www.mcb-supplies.co.uk/Self_adhesive_wood_veneer.htm

Found this site for some tips on doing the job but haven't had time to read yet.

http://www.woodveneer.net/how-to-guides/

Good luck