Repair high gloss cockpit table

[Benda515]

I recently scratched my cockpit table and wanted to know if anyone knew of a way to repair it or should I start looking for a replacement

[tomschauer]

You should be able to sand it and recoat with poly.

[Benda515]

Whould you know what grit i should use

[Cooler]

I would start with a coarse grit, and finish off with a 1000 grit. Then apply a layer of Sikken's stain, and finish with Sikken's gloss. There are 3 shades of Sikken's so you should get pretty close to actual match. Your local marine store should have some shade samples of actual wood. Bring the table there to compare actual shade. If you are not handy with that stuff, bring the table to a local cabinet shop. They do these repairs all the time. Good luck. er

[tomschauer]

I don't mean to break into coolers suggestions, but...
It doesn't look like your scratches go into the wood, just the finish. If I am correct, you do not want to use any stain.
Start with a 120 grit on a random orbit and hit the entire surface. I think you will pretty quickly remove your scratches. Wipe it down with a damp cloth every few minutes while sanding. When the scratches are gone, wipe it down again and then hit it with 320 grit. Wipe it down again and let it dry. Then apply the poly urethane. Do at least three coats. Letting it dry thoroughly between coats. And when dry lightly hit it with 00 steel wool, again, wiping and letting it dry. between coats.
It should look better than new when done.

[Cooler]

No worries Tom. I am not a craftsman by any stretch, and assumed those scratches to be in the wood. Good luck Benda. Too bad that happened so soon. I think you had the C37 just 2 seasons? er

[tomschauer]

Cooler, I am not a professional wood finisher by any means. But my grandfather, my dad and uncle, had me sanding, staining and varnishing wood since I was just past the age walking. My grandfather had many boats. Steel Crafts, Chris Crafts, Trojans and I don't remember what else.
I do remember sanding, staining and varnishing every weekend all summer long for many years. At the end of the season, the boats looked spectacular. Only to start again next year!
Thank goodness new products last longer than the old stuff!
And even though I think they are beautiful; I will never own a wooden boat!

[PossiblyPaul]

I have to agree that that isn't a major finishing job; just a bit of a bind waiting for things to dry. I had exactly the same issue with the beautiful teak table on my last boat (a Fisher), and after a series of 1: varnish removal 2. sanding with medium coarse then fine and finest paper 3. coat upon coat of thin varnish and a scrub with wire wool inbetween, it was even more beautiful. I thought about a clear epoxy coat, but you need a totally dust- and dog-hair-free zone for that, which I didn't have at the time. That's the best for a boat table, in my opinion.