Removing old varnish? (Updated)

[jstokes]

I am trying to remove what appears to be very old, multiple coatings of varnish from two 10-foot teak grab rails. I have tried WM's "Heavy Duty Teak Cleaner" as directed and it seems to only bubble the old finish in a few places. I see hours of scraping and sanding if I stay on this path. Are there alternatives? Better products? Thanks for all advice.

 

[erice]

I've been redoing my teak cap rails using a hand scraper, then a palm sander. Takes time, but works ok.

 

[Capt. Bill1]

Use a heat gun.

 

[dancerscap]

All the above. Use a heat gun then scrape. Repeat. Time consuming, tiring, slow but effective. Then clean and brighten, sand and re-varnish or oil or
cetol or whatever you prefer. There just ain't no easy way.

 

[caltexfla]

Heat gun and scraping is by far the easiest method. See if you can get a copy of "The Brightwork Handbook" if you are a devoted DIY type.

 

[jstokes]

The heat gun and scraper method worked like a charm -- at least until my heat gun decided to knock off. I am hoping it will reset itself after a cool down period.

Thanks again for the great advice. J