[C320-list] Refinish companionway steps

[MARK STEVENS via C320-list]

My steps - cockpit down to salon beat up and worn. Not sure how PO refinished them in past but seeking advice. She is a 1996. Strip etc just varnish? Stain too ? If stain thoughts on best colour match? Teak oil? Thanks to all for thoughts
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[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Mark

I removed all the teak steps and brought them home. I used citristrip to
remove the old varnish. I reccomend doing this in a place where you are
able to make a mess. Slather on the citrustrip and cover with seran wrap
to retain moisture. Walk away and come back. Carefully remove the old
varnish with a metal spackling knife. Do not scrub the teak with even a
nylon brush you will remove the softer grain from the teak. When the
varnish is gone wash the teak and let it dry. Lightly Sand it and then
varnish it. The original finish is a waterborne varnish made by target
coatings. Still available. I think it looks great in the boat but for
the steps I opted for a more durable varnish like helmsman. You will want
several coats. I also added some clear no slip strips to the steps which
really help on rainy days and still look great.

Troy Dunn
Hull#514

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Mine were not in really bad shape but I removed and refinished them. I sanded down (but not completely to bare wood) and used regular amber Captain's varnish which takes many coats for good coverage/durability.  However, the next time I do them I will use water-based HALCYON amber gloss varnish that I have used on my hatch boards and some interior cabinets refinishing https://www.totalboat.com/products/halcyon-water-based-varnish
The halcyon is very easy to use (much easier than conventional varnish that didn't work better in my experience), does a great job and is very durable. 
One tip .... as part of my final coats, I mixed a small amount of grit (I think fine silica) into the varnish that I applied with a foam roller onto the front edge of each step (about the front 1/3).  It didn't affect the look but added a very nice/functional anti-slip edge to the front of the steps to help avoid falls. 
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #32

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[John Kivel via C320-list]

I think I still have a couple gallons of methylene chloride in my garage.
I should probably find a hazardous waste disposal event near me.

My top step is loose. The frame under is broken.
When the weather breaks I’ll investigate and find a weld shop or something.



> On Jan 31, 2026, at 10:20 AM, Troy Dunn via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Mark