We have refurbished our ladder and galley areas to a well trusted method shown to me by an "old sea dog" in Moody's sheds.
Rub down areas finishing with a fine 1200 paper, tack off the area, then apply appropriate colour for dark woods.
Then 3 coats of satin floor varnish, with "cut up" pieces of soft sponge. Tough as old boots, looks great, cannot See the join!!
Works for me.
Odysseus