"Cindy Ballreich" writes:

I have to refinish our galley countertops. These are surfaced
with fairly thick teak veneer (in good shape) which has been
previously finished with varnish. I would like to keep the
current teak (rather than replace with formica or corian). I also
want to keep the clear finish, but the varnish hasn't held up
well and I would like to consider other options. I'm looking for
something that holds up well in a marine environment, which can
handle the day-to-day bumps, drops, splashes, and spills, and
which will last for as long as possible. I would also like
something that can be removed without destroying the teak when it
(inevitably) needs to be refinished - which is a concern I have
about epoxy products. I'm hoping that someone out there has done
a project like this and might be willing to share their experience.

I suspect you are going to have trouble accomplishing your goal.

Suggest you consider the following:

Seal the teak with at least 3-4 coats of epoxy, sanding smooth between coats
and allowing at least 24-48 hours between coats.

You now have protected the teak, BUT, you must protect the epoxy from UV
damage.

Check for a polyurethane product with UV inhibitors and FDA approval for
food service.

You may get lucky, but I suspect you have a real challenge ahead of you.

BTW, might consider 1/2" Corian on top of that teak veneer.

Good luck.


--
Lew

S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the Southland)
Visit: http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett for Pictures