Cabin bulkhead restoration

[cbadmin]

From: Sundown Sent: 11/25/2002 6:54 AM

Since I was pleased with the results of my bulkhead restoration, I thought I would describe what I did in case anyone wants to give it a try. Luckily, my bulkhead and door were solid with no delamination or rot. However, the surface had faded and was "splotchy" where the laminate had lost its color and looked its age.

Since the inside of the door was faded, I decided to restore it also. The process started with a good wash and then a scrub down with West Marine One Step Teak Cleaner and Brightener. This product contains some kind of acid that had worked well on the teak handles. Use it with care and keep it washed off the fiberglass. Most any of the "acid" washes ought to work. I followed this with a light sanding and wash down with Acetone. Thinking Sikkens Cetol Marine, alone, might not do enough to restore the color, I decided to apply a Natural Teak stain using a rag and rubbing with the grain. This got rid of the faded areas and resulted in a nice rich teak color. Twenty-four hours later I sanded lightly with 300 grit, wiped down with Acetone and applied the first coat of Cetol. This procedure was repeated over a couple of days (at least 24 hours between coats) for a total of 3 coats of Cetol. You can see before, during and after photos in the Details section here.

The Cetol costs around $30.00 per quart and I used maybe a quarter of it, leaving plenty for a additional coat next year. The Teak cleaner was about $10.00 and there is a lot left. The whole process took maybe 5 hours spread over a week.

Larry

From: Mike Sent: 11/25/2002 4:55 PM
Wow, Larry - I had forgotten the difference those pictures show. You did an excellent job. Me thinks you might be a tad more patient, and artistic, than me. But I tell you what, from 1800 miles away, that Cetol looks pretty good! You did all that with the bulkhead in place?

My cabin door looks pretty good as it is, but I do have the piece of teak above the door that needs to be restored to match. It comes off real easy, so I'll get to it this winter. The contrast between it and my door is about the same as your start and finish pictures.

Thanks,

Mike

From: PS_Rick Sent: 11/25/2002 6:57 PM
Larry, your bulkhead looks great. I did the same procedure to mine last year and put another coat on this year and it still lookes great. I did install stainless kick plates on the bottom of all the bulkhead pieces to protect them. I will post pictures as soon as I get a chance.

Fred