Refinishing Opinions Wanted

[Bolo]

One of my winter projects is to refinish the companionway steps on my E32-3. I've stripped off all of the old original coating and in the process of doing th final sanding. What are folks using these days for a finish coat? Varnish? Polyurethane? Some varnishes are not recommended for floors. Steps are basically "vertical floors" so those finishes would not be a good choice I suspect. Any recommendations for a finish? I'm thinking semi-gloss or satin since I don't care for a gloss finish below but that's a personal choice I think.

 

[bigd14]

I used two coats of a water based satin polyurethane for my new sole. It’s held up well for 8 years. I assume it would work pretty well on the ladder too.

Pros:
Easy to apply
Doesn’t stink
Cheap
Grippy

Cons:
Doesn’t have the depth of finish like varnish

Here is a photo of the new sole with satin polyurethane and a piece of the old sole with what I assume is gloss varnish but it could be semi gloss. More coats of the polyurethane with fine sanding in between would probably yield a better result but it looks fine as is. Could also go with a semi gloss for better depth. I think the varnish will darken the wood more than the polyurethane too.

 

[peaman]

My ladder is varnished (Epiphanes high gloss) with new self-adhesive tread tape which I got from the local Ace Hardware, sold by the foot. I prefer varnish because I see maintenance as more predictable with varnish than with polyurethane. I think any coating short of non-skid on the nosing will have the same hazard of slipping, which is why manufacturers would advise against use on floors.

 

[bigd14]

any coating short of non-skid on the nosing will have the same hazard of slipping

On my E27 this was the case, to the point where I had to apply non skid to the nose. But that terribly abraded my calves when stepping into the cabin! I removed it and learned to tread carefully. No such problems on the 30+ or 34, not sure what was different about the 27. Maybe I’m just older and more cautious with stairs these days.

 

[Bolo]

I used two coats of a water based satin polyurethane for my new sole. It’s held up well for 8 years. I assume it would work pretty well on the ladder too.

Pros:
Easy to apply
Doesn’t stink
Cheap
Grippy

Cons:
Doesn’t have the depth of finish like varnish

Here is a photo of the new sole with satin polyurethane and a piece of the old sole with what I assume is gloss varnish but it could be semi gloss. More coats of the polyurethane with fine sanding in between would probably yield a better result but it looks fine as is. Could also go with a semi gloss for better depth. I think the varnish will darken the wood more than the polyurethane too.
View attachment 54404

I understand the pros and cons you’re making. I looked at a photo of my new cabin sole that I finished in my garage (my sole is screwed down with bass “square” screws) and I did it in a gloss varnish. Looks pretty good in the photo but that was two years ago. So for the steps I have changed my mind and I think I will go with a varnish (like I used on the sole) so it’ll match. The foot griping tape will also be replaced too.

 

[bigd14]

I think varnish will look better so agree with your decision. But man, that’s going to be a lot of sanding and detail work with all those angles and corners!

 

[Frank Langer]

I have had good success in mixing semi-gloss and satin for a nice, non-glare finish on my cabin sole. My handrails used to be high gloss varnish, but last time I mixed half and half with semi-gloss, and it turned out well. I always mix the same brand in case there might be some reaction between brands. Just a thought...
Frank

 

[mjsouleman]

One of my winter projects is to refinish the companionway steps on my E32-3. I've stripped off all of the old original coating and in the process of doing th final sanding. What are folks using these days for a finish coat? Varnish? Polyurethane? Some varnishes are not recommended for floors. Steps are basically "vertical floors" so those finishes would not be a good choice I suspect. Any recommendations for a finish? I'm thinking semi-gloss or satin since I don't care for a gloss finish below but that's a personal choice I think.

Bob,

I am working on cabin sole at this moment. When I bought Sterling II, the Teak and Holly was not finished, just laid down. I put down 3 coats of West Marine 205 epoxy and 206 hardener on all the pieces. Currently I am laying on Totalboat Lust Gloss varnish. I like it because I can put down 3 applications a day.

I am putting off the salon ladder for next years project.