Tape off all the teak trim with blue 3M masking tape. That's four pieces atop the poling platform, the two base mounts for the console rod rack, all the way around the console helm pod, remove the lower pod and all the way around the bow toe rail.
Next, mix two-part Bristol epoxy varnish ($50 a quart) and apply several coats. You can re-apply after about 1+ hours. This last session I added three top coats to smooth out the surface scratches. There are approx. 25 coats underneath. Fortunately, Bristol doesn't require stripping down to bare wood and the multiple layers add a hard lasting finish for protection.
After it has dried for at least several days, I remove the tape and start wet-sanding. The first round is 600 grit paper to smooth out any drips or blemishes. That took approximately 5 hours. The next day I stepped up to 800 grit before finish sanding with 1500 grit. Each step requires sanding every inch of wood to achieve a smooth but cloudy finish. Add another 6 hours labor.
Day 3. With a damp cotton rag and lots of 3M Finesse-It polishing compound ($15 a bottle), it's time to bring out the shine with armstrong power. It's best to do small sections at a time. You keep polishing and rubbing to remove the tiniest of sworls and sand marks. Just when it seems your arms are about to fall off, viola, the shine pops and you have a finish that you can literally see yourself in. Man hours involved= 5 hours.
At last I'm done for another couple seasons, as long as my first mate (Gus the Rottweiler) keeps his paws off the teak and my charter clients mind their tootsies. Did I mention my clients wear those little service booties whenever they come aboard?
So be thankful if you have an all fiberglass boat or even better, an aluminum hull. You're time ahead. Still, I wouldn't trade my vamp for any amount of elbow grease. We have a love affair that even my wife kinda understands.
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