Wood panels

[Nowhere Special]

Should the wood panels that are under the v- and aft birth be sealed? The admiral says "no", I say "yes" so to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and odors.
What say my fellow Albineers?
May as well include the panel on the cabin floor.

Dave

[Cape Codder]

Yes, they should be sealed, and both sides, to prevent warping.

[dkircher]

Just found this post. I agree with the sealing. The problem I have is that the wood was not sealed by the previous owner and has turned gray in spots. The veneer, as you probably know is very thin. I have tried sanding the damaged area. However, it wouldn't take much sanding to go right through the veneer. Any thoughts about this? Apply a second veneer? Seal the panels and forget about the gray?

Thanks.

[Nowhere Special]

I had only one panel with some spots of veneer lifting. I cut them out, and sanded. I gave all the panels 3 coats of spar varnish (satin finish), block sanded with 220 between each coat.

[Cape Codder]

The gray spots are most likely water spots.
Instead of sanding, try "wood bleach" found in any paint/hardware. This product is dry oxalic acid crystals that you mix with a little water to form a paste. Apply, and let sit. When dry, wipe off and possibly sand VERY LIGHTLY.
The gray spots should have disappeared from the bleach. Make sure all residue is removed and coat with your varnish. (3-4 coats should do it)
Then relax...have a beer and admire your work.