[C320-list] Interior Wood

[Phil Dubiel via C320-list]

My Autumn project is to refinish the woodwork around the galley, the
gangway steps, and the table top. I plan to strip everything down to the
bare wood. Does anyone know what stain I should use (brand & shade)?
Alternatively, I would appreciate any recommendations on how to approach
this project more effectively.

Phil - #365

[Joel Krauska via C320-list]

From my notes (haven't yet tackled)

Interior sand and varnish - $200
EMTECH EM2000WVX WB ALKYD VARNISH
Satin
https://www.targetcoatings.com/product/water-based-alkyd-varnish/?attribute_pa_size=32-oz&attribute_pa_sheen-options=satin


For this woodwork, you'll sand off all the sealer. It'll be quite easy. I
suggest taping off the counter before you start sanding. Put on the tape
and use a razor blade along the counter->wood joint and peel away the
excess. Then sand with 120 by hand (it'll be easy), then go to 220. That's
really all you need, but you could do a light quick pass with 320.
The goal is to get all the finish off so that the new finish will not show
any discoloration from patches of old finish. You'll need a small
resealable plastic container (like small tupperware or gladware). A paper
cone paint filter/strainer. A good quality 1.5" brush. No foam brushes. A
couple sheets of 600 grit wet dry sand paper.
Don't shake it, just stir until all the white at the bottom of the can is
mixed in. This white that settles is what makes it a satin finish, so you
want that well mixed in. Strain about a cup of EM2000 into the plastic
container. Add a few tablespoons of water to thin it slightly for the first
coat so that it soaks in better. Brush it on lightly in the direction of
THE GRAIN of the wood (important). It'll dry in about 45 min or less. Seal
up the plastic container after each coat.
Before next coat (in about an hour or less), make a very quick pass with
the 600 grit paper to smooth the surface. Wipe off the white powder and do
another light coat. You can begin to strain in a little more Em2000 into
the plastic container for subsequent coats to slowly get back to full
undiluted strength.
The brush rinses out easily between coats with water. You'll easily be able
to get 4 or 6 coats on in one day and it'll take you about 10 minutes start
to finish each time you go to put on another coat. It'll need about a week
for the full hardness of the finish to set in. After every few coats, you
might want to use the razor blade again at the tape/counter line. Try not
to let it pool on the tape. For the final coat, you may want to remove the
tape, use the 600 grit lightly along the counter/wood line and clean up
that joint. Last coat or two it's ok for the sealer to just barely touch
the countertop to seal in the bottom edge of the wood so that water on the
counter doesn't seep into the wood there.
That's how I maintained ours. Once you do this, it can be touched up by a
light sanding and recoat. The better quality of brush for water-based
finishes you use the better the result will be. I think I spent ~$20 on a
good brush.

stearate-free sandpaper

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I highly recommend the clear amber gloss version of this water-based varnish. TotalBoat Halcyon Water-Based Marine Varnish
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TotalBoat Halcyon Water-Based Marine Varnish

Halcyon Water-Based Marine Varnish dries to a UV-stable clear amber gloss, clear gloss, or clear satin finish that accentuates wood grain.
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Very durable, super easy to apply and very good looking results. Can be applied over existing conventional varnishes. I refinished many of the same interior pieces you are considering just by lightly sanding first (not take down to bare wood). 
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32
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On Mon, Sep 22, 2025 at 2:11 PM, Phil Dubiel via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: My Autumn project is to refinish the woodwork around the galley, the