cetol over varnish

[trv]

Does all the varnish need to be removed before cetol application.
What is the best way to switch from varnish to cetol? I would be applying
over teak trim. I am tried of sanding. Thanks for your thoughts..Jeff

[John B]

You have to get the varnish off. More scraping, heat gunning, sanding ,I'm afraid.

[PugetSound]

To do the job correctly (i.e. to have an attractive finish) you have to remove the varnish...... but:
- go easy on the sanding bit since teak isn't all that hard a hardwood. Recommend heat or chemical stripping.
- if you are really tired of working on the damn thing and really just want to go sailing, then I would say it is time to put on the Cetol (adhering as close as practicable to manufacturers directions) and then go sailing! The trim will be protected even if it does look a little bit like you didn't get all of the varnish off.
- If you go for option #2 then don't forget to correct the situation and do the job right later on since the remaining varnish will eventually fail (sooner than the new finish).

[trv]

Thanks, as I thouht , I will work at the job slowly by doing a part of the boat
each year, while protecting the undone part with varnish. ..jeff