I've been going back and forth on the idea of using a "modern" finish on my teak exterior brightwork. Currently, the teak has some spots of varnish damage after only one year. I was thinking about stripping it all off and refinishing it with Bristol Finish. However, my list of spring projects is rapidly increasing. I'm not sure I'll have the time to do it all. Have any of you used Bristol Finish on existing varnish? Will the damaged spots blend into the rest of the brightwork? Or, should I just sand lightly and add a couple of coats of regular varnish to it? How would you prep the teak so that the small damaged spots don't show through your new coats of finish? Thanks.
Fixing varnish damage
- Thread starter Mike8088
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I would follow the label instructions if possible
On the Bristol Finish can there are instructions on how to apply it to get the best (longest lasting) results. My guess is that their instructions will include starting from bare wood which is a PITA. OTOH, as with any finishing job the bulk of the work is in the prep phase. Therefore, any sections that are damaged you would need to do extra prep work on even if just re-applying varnish. So go ahead and fix the problem spots so that they 'hide' using varnish. If you then want to put BF on it why not? It may not be the optimal application over varnish, as in it may not last as long as advertised but it should be more weather resistant to exposed varnish. I have not used BF yet but have followed discussions on the subject for some time now. Some recommend a product called 'Honey Teak' above BF. I still use varnish and am currently experimenting with Cetol. My preference for reviving discolored teak involves using teak oil. You can wet sand it onto the surface. Let it soak in and then wipe well with Acetone before applying any finish. Your mileage may vary. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
On the Bristol Finish can there are instructions on how to apply it to get the best (longest lasting) results. My guess is that their instructions will include starting from bare wood which is a PITA. OTOH, as with any finishing job the bulk of the work is in the prep phase. Therefore, any sections that are damaged you would need to do extra prep work on even if just re-applying varnish. So go ahead and fix the problem spots so that they 'hide' using varnish. If you then want to put BF on it why not? It may not be the optimal application over varnish, as in it may not last as long as advertised but it should be more weather resistant to exposed varnish. I have not used BF yet but have followed discussions on the subject for some time now. Some recommend a product called 'Honey Teak' above BF. I still use varnish and am currently experimenting with Cetol. My preference for reviving discolored teak involves using teak oil. You can wet sand it onto the surface. Let it soak in and then wipe well with Acetone before applying any finish. Your mileage may vary. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
Varnishing teak is risky
Teak has natural oils and so to get varnish to stick to it with duration in mind you must properly prepare the surface. You need clean it properly, sand it smooth and use primers subcoats first. Some people use epoxy, thinned as a good base coat, but then you need to use a varnish that works with epoxies (some don't adhere well) and you have to clean the amine blush left on cured epoxy before applying varnish. One system that seems to work well is by Epihpanes. They have a varnish system designed for teak. Make sure you buy the right product. The thinner is mixed with their teak varnish in varying degrees or ratios starting with 50/50 and then adding more varnish as you go (read the labels for exact mixtures). Then you can apply, after you have that initial base as many coats as you like to achieve the level of gloss you want. It is for sure a labor of love and must be kept up to achieve this result over a long period of time. I would be careful using one type of product over another type as the most recent one can be too agressive to apply on an old application. It is good to know the compatibility of the product there already and what you are applying. Unless you are starting over and stripping it down to nothing, it is best to stick with the same product or a product similar in chemistry to what is already there. If you don't want to deal with the labor of varnishing teak properly, try other teak products like Sikkens Cetol or Armada, which look fine and are a ton easier to apply and maintain. And they last a long time as well. Varnishing is outstanding, however, as the results can make a beautiful boat beautiful.
Teak has natural oils and so to get varnish to stick to it with duration in mind you must properly prepare the surface. You need clean it properly, sand it smooth and use primers subcoats first. Some people use epoxy, thinned as a good base coat, but then you need to use a varnish that works with epoxies (some don't adhere well) and you have to clean the amine blush left on cured epoxy before applying varnish. One system that seems to work well is by Epihpanes. They have a varnish system designed for teak. Make sure you buy the right product. The thinner is mixed with their teak varnish in varying degrees or ratios starting with 50/50 and then adding more varnish as you go (read the labels for exact mixtures). Then you can apply, after you have that initial base as many coats as you like to achieve the level of gloss you want. It is for sure a labor of love and must be kept up to achieve this result over a long period of time. I would be careful using one type of product over another type as the most recent one can be too agressive to apply on an old application. It is good to know the compatibility of the product there already and what you are applying. Unless you are starting over and stripping it down to nothing, it is best to stick with the same product or a product similar in chemistry to what is already there. If you don't want to deal with the labor of varnishing teak properly, try other teak products like Sikkens Cetol or Armada, which look fine and are a ton easier to apply and maintain. And they last a long time as well. Varnishing is outstanding, however, as the results can make a beautiful boat beautiful.
Another idea
Call BF and talk to them on the phone. Of course, they want you to buy from them, but they could answer some of your questions. Practical Sailor really likes BF. As for me, I am not sure how I feel about, but since it is on my boat already, I am, for now, sticking with it. it has held up pretty well for the past 3 seasons, but does need some repair now.
Call BF and talk to them on the phone. Of course, they want you to buy from them, but they could answer some of your questions. Practical Sailor really likes BF. As for me, I am not sure how I feel about, but since it is on my boat already, I am, for now, sticking with it. it has held up pretty well for the past 3 seasons, but does need some repair now.
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