Coaming removal for refinishing

[Willow]

I am going to remove my coamings this fall to refinish and re-bed them.  It seems that no matter how well I varnish them water sneaks in from behind and lifts the varnish on the edges.  I am planning to strip, sand and seal with penetrating epoxy, then varnish.  Has anyone done this?  I worry about damaging them after been in place for almost 45 years.  If you have experience with this I would be very interested in your story.

 

Thanks,

 

Michael

[Surf Scoter]

Kittery Point Yard just removed my coamings as part of an over-all redo of the varnish on all brightwork. I wouldn't try this myself, but the yard looks like they know what theyre doing. It certainly makes for a perfect job on the varnish once they're off.

[LIBERTE']

When LIBERTE's deck-house were re-awlgripped, the person in charge of the project said not to remove the coamings or toerails-- he was concerned about breakage and making new problems.