Kinda new to boat ownership here, just looking for a consensus opinion. I have quite a bit of outside teak trim, currently varnished however I hear conflicting opinions on as to the best way to care for the teak and make it look sharp again. Re-varnish? or Oil?
A question about woodwork...
- Thread starter Atlantic_Watch
- Start date
- Status
Welcome to the never ending debate! LOL Depends of what kind of look you're going for. Do you like shiny? Then go with varnish if you like matte then go with oil. If you do go with varnish make sure you've got many layers as I've now had to re-varnish every year since we've owned our boat. And, if you can protect some of that wood DO cover it from the UV rays when you can.
I used Epiphanes which is a great product, so easy to use and superior quality.
Good luck!
I used Epiphanes which is a great product, so easy to use and superior quality.
Good luck!
My '79 Hunter 27 had bleached grey teak. A single application of StarBrite cleaner-brightener, and two applications of Teak-oil, brought the wood color back.
Made me happy...
Made me happy...
Half a summer in my new Florida digs and the handrails are nearly bare! :cry: I like the varnish look so will keep at it I suppose. But oil would be much, much easier. I have the advantage that I made my rails easy to remove so I can varnish at home without all that masking. Florida might force me to stainless steel.
Nooooo Ed, don't give up. Florida just requires a different mindset. Here in Virginia I was able to varnish my teak during a few warm weekends in February (should have done more than 3 coats though). You can probably do it in January now instead of shovelling snow in your mukluks in Ohio!
I favor Cetol. 2 or 3 coats has her looking good for a few years and when she needs to be freshened up a bit, a light sanding and another coat go a long way. While true it is not as clear as varnish it still protects the teak and gives a nice look.
I changed all mine to mahogany. I hate teak-- it never holds a finish long, does NOT resist rot, and looks green/gray/poop brown/black as only it wills. Now I have the look of an old classic, warm, reddish, alive-looking, all exterior (and some interior) brightwork done in WEST epoxy with the very excellent UV-barrier Captain's Varnish.
For teak, Cetol tends to get the best results with the least work. I would keep a minimum of 3 to 4 coats on it at all times, which means in the beginning of a season you have 6 on it.
For teak, Cetol tends to get the best results with the least work. I would keep a minimum of 3 to 4 coats on it at all times, which means in the beginning of a season you have 6 on it.
- Status