Varnish Steps & Grip strip

[fireball]

We're varnishing the companionway steps - ok, so we've started to sand them down ....
As the grip strips have worn smooth we're going to replace them ... but do we stick them down on the sanded down wood or do we varnish first then stick em on top of the varnished bit?

 

[earlybird]

On some steps that I once made, I masked off the appropriate areas, painted unthickened epoxy on the bare wood and sprinkled fine sand. Then varnished over. It looked and worked well. (And is cheap! )

 

[Sequoiah1]

There is a clear non skid tape I have seen used on some varnished steps. No idea where you get it tho........

 

[Spuddy]

Don't stick em on varnished surface cos it's just a surface film and so far less strength. Bare wood is the thing - the glue line can be stronger than the wood itself. I know it's more awkward to sand down between coats or to mask up. Next decision of course is which adhesive and how to hold bits down while glue going off. I'd use PU and G cramps but if you haven't got the gear then maybe epoxy (eg small West kit) plus some weighty things so gravity does clamping.

 

[jerryat]

Years ago, on a previous boat, we varnished the steps first, then bought some non-slip varnish, taped out the strips we wanted and painted it on top. Superb and lasted well beyond the five years we owned the boat.

I don't know if such varnish is still available, but it had a sand/grit in it and was from a known supplier - but it's well over twenty years ago and my memory ..... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[beneteau_305_553]

I varnished my steps and stuck on self adhesive non slip strips that I got from the chandlery. I put 2 strips of 25 mm wide and 500 long on each step and rounded the ends so the corners were not sharp.

They have been on for 2 years without any sign of lifting off the surface but they are loosing a bit of their grip now so will replace with same again soon. I dont want to slip and fracture my hip.

 

[Vara]

On last 3 boats have always used self adhesive 3m tape.........usually available in swindlerys, stuck straight onto varnish or F/glass.

As long as end are rounded and its pressed firmly into place it wont move.

 

[fireball]

thanks for the responses ... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif