My Kaholo is now looking a bit worn from 3 years of service and I'm thinking of refinishing it. I'm also hoping to correct some of the mistakes made when I first finished (like not realizing the varnish had a golden tint to it!) Is there a safe/best way to refinish a board? I was going to use the finest sandpaper I can find on my random orbital sander and gently sand it down and then apply new paint and varnish.
It sounds as if you are right on track for refinishing your Kaholo. Every Spring I refinish my board. I remove all the hardware, give it a light sanding and refinish it.. I use a random orbital sander non the flats with about 22o grit and hand sand the edges, shear and chine being careful not to cut through to the resin/glass. I have not varnished any of my boards. Instead I use a clear linear polyurethane. I like Awlgrip products. Some of the Awlgrip products are three parts. Awlgrip has a new product called AWLWOOD which is single part and perfectly clear. You can put it over old cured varnish. It is very durable. check it out. I apply with a foam brush. Between coats I sand with a Scotch Brite pad.