Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Wood Care: => Topic started by: sunnybob on December 19, 2011, 08:48:36 pm

Title: what to do about decking
Post by: sunnybob on December 19, 2011, 08:48:36 pm
my long (very long) refurbishment of my cruiser is finally progressing. I've got the hull to a reasonable finish using fibreglass resin and am now at the stage of wondering what to do with the decking.
This is an old boat, and the decking appears to be mahogany veneer about 2.5mm thick. Its got planking etched into it, and was originally stained teak (I think)
sadly, over the years the stain has gone in many places, and the wood also has a fair amount of paint splatter on it.
I've tried sanding with 600 wet and dry, but it looks like the paint splatter is too far in to remove.
Now, although this boat has a lot of sentimental value (built by my dad 50 years ago) it isnt what you would call a show winner, or even have much real life value, so I'm not contemplating replacing all this decking.
So, with that said, what would be the best option here?
Jjust use a dark stain and carry on?
Use a wood paint rather than stain?
or what about just using ordinary paint and covering all of it? Were 1950's cabin cruiser decks painted ordinary colours?
Or do you have a magic formula for removing ground in stains?  O0 :((
Title: Re: what to do about decking
Post by: thelegos on December 19, 2011, 09:23:36 pm
Hi there, have you any pictures?
If the decking is 2.5mm thick you have plenty to work with, it would be relatively easy to use sandpaper with a little more bite than 600, sand it down to remove the marks then use the 600 to finish it.  Once done the choice of varnish colour and finish is down to your personal taste.
Roger
Title: Re: what to do about decking
Post by: CGAux26 on December 20, 2011, 02:37:37 am
In answer to your question about what kind of decking cabin cruisers had in the 50's:  My dad had a Chris Craft 34' Sedan Cruiser.  The foredeck was canvased and then painted white, with enough coats that the canvas weave disappeared.  This made it possible to walk on the deck in bare feet in summer temperatures near 100F.
Title: Re: what to do about decking
Post by: sunnybob on December 20, 2011, 03:13:24 pm
My worry about cutting deeper is that all of the planking detail will be lost. theres a large sliding deck hatch on the fore deck, and I dont have the skill to recut all the planking, and I think it will  look odd with a complete sheet of mahogany across the whole boat?.

the painted canvas is interesting, I was wondering about a white non slip finish. That might be the easy option.
Title: Re: what to do about decking
Post by: Norseman on December 20, 2011, 08:47:10 pm
Hi Sunnybob - couple of boat pics would be nice if you have any.

Dave
Title: Re: what to do about decking
Post by: sunnybob on December 21, 2011, 08:16:50 pm
dont have any of the current state of the boat, if you havent seen any of mine before, there are several threads on this boat about 4 years old now from when I first got the boat.
just do a search for "gwen eagle".

I'm away now till after new year, when I get back I'll post a couple of this decking. I would like to get it as nearly right as my skills and pocket will allow  {:-{
Title: Re: what to do about decking
Post by: oapanglais on April 12, 2012, 12:23:33 pm
Hello sunnybob
I was browsing and found your thread. You haven't posted the photos so I don't know if you are still doing your project. Years ago when I had an Enterprise dinghy I used to us a product called Kingston Colour Back which restored blackened water stained mahogany to its original colour and I also used it for garden furniture. The damaged varnish had to be removed first. More recently I couldn't find Kingston Colour Back and I have used Cuprinol Garden Furniture Restorer which I suspect is the same formula. Neither of these products will remove paint but they both bring back the colour of teak and mahogany.        All the best       Brian