Questions about stripping and re-varnishing interior mahogany

Discussion in 'All Things Boats & Boating' started by magentawave, Nov 14, 2019.

  1. magentawave
    Joined: Jul 2013
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    magentawave Senior Member

    I just bought a boat that was built over 40 years ago. This boat has nice mahogany joiner work below that ranges from looking beautiful - to worn and dirty. Before I take on the momentous task of stripping, sanding and re-varnishing everything, I was wondering about a couple things...

    After I strip, sand and re-varnish the dirty areas then those "new" surfaces won't match the 40 year old patina of the wood that I did nothing to.

    QUESTIONS:

    1) Got any suggestions for minimizing the differences in tone between the old surfaces and new, or am I relegated to stripping, sanding and re-varnishing everything?

    2) If I have to strip, sand and revarnish everything, then what would you use to strip varnished wood INSIDE? I'm hoping to find something with fumes that won't kill me. How about "painting" the wood with Citristrip then leave it wrapped for a day in Saran Wrap?

    Any and all tips will be greatly appreciated!

    Thank you
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    There are several water based strippers that work well. They are not as aggressive as the chlorinated solvent types, but they won't kill you either.
     
  3. magentawave
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    magentawave Senior Member

    Any particular names that you can recommend - that actually work?
     
  4. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
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    Blueknarr Senior Member

    Photos would help heaps.

    You may be in luck.
    DON'T start sanding and stripping just yet.
    The grime may wash off. I'd try "Howard's"citrus cleaner. Then a citrus de-greaser

    If the existing varnish is mostly sound, then it may only need spot repairs and touch ups.

    Post lots of pictures before declaring the varnish DOA.
     
  5. magentawave
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    magentawave Senior Member

    Okay, I'm encouraged now! Thanks. Is this the Howard's citrus cleaner you were referring to? Orange Oil Wood Polish | Howard Products https://www.howardproducts.com/product/orange-oil-wood-polish/
     
  6. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
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    Blueknarr Senior Member

    I've been away from wood refinishing for a few years.

    I love Howard's products. They work as intended.

    That one might work. It will certainly do no harm. I thought they made a "stronger" cleaner..

    Start gentle then progress to harsher chemicals if needed.

    Pics would help me give you more focused advice.
     

  7. magentawave
    Joined: Jul 2013
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    Location: USA

    magentawave Senior Member

    Thanks. I'll get some photos in the next couple of days and post them here.
     
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