posted 01-26-2006 04:53 AM ET (US)        

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Need to repair several dime size dings on teak railing. The teak has about 10 coats of varnish and is in fine shape aside from the dings around the bimini mounts.

Do I have to sand all the varnish off or can I just work the dings. Any guidance is appreciated.

posted 01-26-2006 10:10 AM ET (US)            

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The technique is called feathering. If the repair section is the diameter of a dime, for instance, sand the surrounding area so it meets the damaged surface gradually. New varnish then can be used to fill the hollowed section for a seamless repair. Two additional coats over the entire surface should blend in everything like new. It is similar to any fiberglass repair, where you would grind off the adjacent area so the new glass or gelcoat bonds with a smooth transition, not an abrupt one.

If possible use a sanding block so the existing varnish is scuffed up evenly over a larger area than the localized damage. If you just use your fingers, you are apt to leave depressions in the surface that may not fully reveal themselves until after you top coat. Good luck. Peter