Cetol

[fred1diver]

Hello all, doing some woodwork, I applied Cetol a few days ago, but it is still tacky, any ideas on what could cause that issue?
It still take my fingerprints every time I touch it

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Ambient temperature? Old product?

 

[fred1diver]

Brand new can
Temps vary (Canada hey!)
I applied it in warm weather, so I have no idea what happened, some wood is good and some still very tacky?

 

[rgranger]

You might like this review

Cetol Versus Teak Sealer - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

 

[BigEasy]

I have used Cetol & Semco; both are good products. With regards to Cetol not setting, it has to be application in below ambient temperature range or defective product in a new can. How long did you wait between coats before overcoating? I wait 24 hours between coats. I have used Cetol for over 25 years & have never had a problem with it setting. Usually apply 2 coats natural followed by 2 coats gloss; overcoat at 24 hours to eliminate need for sanding between coats. I use Cetol on deck mounted handrails. Usually lasts 4-5 years in our semi tropical climate.
I use Semco on my cockpit teak seating surfaces for two reasons; first, I don’t want a slippery surface in the cockpit working area and second, too much surface area to sand / reprep for reapplication. Semco, is a different animal. Goes on like water & penetrates into the teak. Very minimal prep & easy application. Three coats usually lasts only one year. It seals & protects the teak & dries to a dull finish. IMHO, does not look as good as Cetol; you are not going to achieve a bright glossy finish using Semco.

 

[thinwater]

High humidity can be a factor.

 

[fred1diver]

I haven’t had a chance to try again varnishing the wood, but my next question is simple, what measure should I use to make sure the Cetol will go on properly, dry well and be solid on the epoxied wood????
The boat is splashing in under 2 weeks and my to-do list is still longer than the boat so if I can get it right on the first try, I will be very happy and grateful

 

[Stu Jackson]

Have you considered reading the manufacturer's application instructions?

what measure should I use to make sure the Cetol will go on properly, dry well and be solid

 

[Barnacle Bill]

If you are applying Cetol over wood that is epoxy coated, that may be your problem. I have found that not all varnishes, for example, work when applied over epoxy and that Captain's Varnish is one varnish product recommended over epoxy. I have used Cetol for years, be only on bare teak, not epoxy, so I have no opinion, but it could be something for you to consider.