varnishing on top of old veneer

[gambiancookie]

I have a 1980 bates river cruiser which all the cupboards are looking tired, is it possible to re varnish them, they are covered in a pale looking veneer, scratched and faded in places ?

 

[Actionmat]

Yes. Give them a good wipe, use mildew remover in places if necessary, key the surface with finishing paper and wipe down with a tack cloth to prepare the surface. Try a little stain on a rag on the faded areas in an inconspicuous place first.

I get good results by putting the varnish on with a foam mini roller and brushing it out with a quality brush in the other hand. Much quicker and a very even coat, the first coat should be thinned.

 

[gambiancookie]

Thanks will make them look alot better

 

[Magic Star]

If you really have time, better of remove the old varnish and re-varnish from new. Remove all the old varnish with a good paint stripper. Wipe the veneer with a wet cloth (if any paint stripper left, it will compromise your new varnish). Sand 180. Then slightly wet your veneer with a wet sponge, this will stand up the wood fibers. Then sand 220. Brush the dust, let it settle for a couple of days, then varnish as you wish.

I could not advise about a good paint-stripper, and the NITROMORS (I used it a lot during the past year) is a useless stuff. I would suggest you try the Starchem Paint Stripper. That's I will use next week, it appears quite good for the purpose.

But all this, of course, if you have time to play the cabinetmaker for your boat

 

[gambiancookie]

Thank you done it took a week but looks good

 

[Actionmat]

Post some pics

 

[gambiancookie]

Post some pics

Will do when I can work out how to do it, or send me your email, thanks