to ease the depression of having our boat stored for winter and looking forward to the new season, i am seriously considering varnishing the interior cabin wood work - teak - of our 26.5 hunter. no problem doing it but concerned about its effect and look when finished. could anyone advise re this - or will the original teak finish - with oiling of course - be a better proposition. i want to make the interior as good as possible. ted.
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Consider Reselling
A varnished teak finish is a thing of beauty - if it's done right. If I had a choice of interior finishes on teak I'd definitely take varnish over oil because it stays lighter over time (oil will darken) and the maintenance is generally easier. The difficult maintenance areas are those that are prone to dampness such as around sinks. Since our cruising grounds are the Northwest the weather is often cloudy so light finishes are a plus. For resale the finsh should have a professional look, that is, no runs or blemishes. Last summer I was talking to a couple who earn their living doing only brightwork and exclusively on Grand Banks yachts. They use Epifanes and a two-part (don't remember the name) sealer with foam brushes. They pointed out that Epifanes varnish is the only brand which does not say "... not recommended for use on teak." If the boat has been previously oiled I don't know how one should get started as it's my understanding that varnish does not go over oil. For a winter project, if it's not too dificult, consider taking the cabinetry out of the boat and taking it home. Unlike outside varnish, interior varnish is an investment that should last the life of the boat with minor touchup. Everybody has an opinion on this subject. Recommend talking to knowledgeable people and sort ideas out for yourself.
A varnished teak finish is a thing of beauty - if it's done right. If I had a choice of interior finishes on teak I'd definitely take varnish over oil because it stays lighter over time (oil will darken) and the maintenance is generally easier. The difficult maintenance areas are those that are prone to dampness such as around sinks. Since our cruising grounds are the Northwest the weather is often cloudy so light finishes are a plus. For resale the finsh should have a professional look, that is, no runs or blemishes. Last summer I was talking to a couple who earn their living doing only brightwork and exclusively on Grand Banks yachts. They use Epifanes and a two-part (don't remember the name) sealer with foam brushes. They pointed out that Epifanes varnish is the only brand which does not say "... not recommended for use on teak." If the boat has been previously oiled I don't know how one should get started as it's my understanding that varnish does not go over oil. For a winter project, if it's not too dificult, consider taking the cabinetry out of the boat and taking it home. Unlike outside varnish, interior varnish is an investment that should last the life of the boat with minor touchup. Everybody has an opinion on this subject. Recommend talking to knowledgeable people and sort ideas out for yourself.
We are Pleased!
Our 1983 Hunter had the original oiled finish below, but the previous owner never oiled it and it was really dry and dull. We used Clipper Clear varnish and with only two coats, after five years it still looks like a new boat! We really like the high gloss and bright finish of the Clipper Clear, it does not add any color or darken the teak too much. Charles Duhon "Artistry"
Our 1983 Hunter had the original oiled finish below, but the previous owner never oiled it and it was really dry and dull. We used Clipper Clear varnish and with only two coats, after five years it still looks like a new boat! We really like the high gloss and bright finish of the Clipper Clear, it does not add any color or darken the teak too much. Charles Duhon "Artistry"
Do It
I did our V32 and out 40.5 was done before we aquired it. There are pluses and minuses, but we think it is very nice looking and the maintenance is far less. Estimate the time figure X2 or 3. It took three months for the Vision. Weekends, but long ones. Good luck. Rick D.
I did our V32 and out 40.5 was done before we aquired it. There are pluses and minuses, but we think it is very nice looking and the maintenance is far less. Estimate the time figure X2 or 3. It took three months for the Vision. Weekends, but long ones. Good luck. Rick D.
Sea Fin Teak Oil
Ted, I found in the archives some time back that Hunter used SEA FIN Teak Oil on the interior teak. I bought some and it works very good. I have wiped it on over the cleaned finish, sanded slightly or cleaned some other way. I put about 3 coats on with a rag and it looks like new. This stuff dries to a lustrious hard finish overnite. I work on a small area each weekend. The major job is going to be the galley. It needs to be taken down to bare wood first. My '91 33.5 was in charter for 8 years, so it got a lot of use, but was kept in VG shape for customers. Try the Sea Fin. It is not smelly, it's thin for wiping on, dries hard, and stores well even though the label says use it up. Bob on WindDance....
Ted, I found in the archives some time back that Hunter used SEA FIN Teak Oil on the interior teak. I bought some and it works very good. I have wiped it on over the cleaned finish, sanded slightly or cleaned some other way. I put about 3 coats on with a rag and it looks like new. This stuff dries to a lustrious hard finish overnite. I work on a small area each weekend. The major job is going to be the galley. It needs to be taken down to bare wood first. My '91 33.5 was in charter for 8 years, so it got a lot of use, but was kept in VG shape for customers. Try the Sea Fin. It is not smelly, it's thin for wiping on, dries hard, and stores well even though the label says use it up. Bob on WindDance....
minwax
I did my interior with Minwax Antique Oil Finish and it came out like new. It doesn't have the depth of varnish, but it really brings out the color of the wood back. It is easy to apply and looks super good. I bought a quart can of oil finish and used just over half to do the entire interior of the boat. it really holds up too. I use it on the cockpit table once a year.
I did my interior with Minwax Antique Oil Finish and it came out like new. It doesn't have the depth of varnish, but it really brings out the color of the wood back. It is easy to apply and looks super good. I bought a quart can of oil finish and used just over half to do the entire interior of the boat. it really holds up too. I use it on the cockpit table once a year.
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