Oil vs. Varnish

[Sailavie1]

I am in the process of adding more wood trim and panels (teak) to the interior of my 2008 Hunter 25.
This model came with a few teak trim edges and a folding table but for the most part is a “blank canvas” as far as wood goes. The teak that it came with appears to be oiled so I was thinking of also oiling my new additions.
What are the pros and cons of teak oil vs. varnish on interior wood? If varnish is recommended, would you choose a gloss or matt finish? Also, can varnish be applied over oil without any prepping work?
Thanks

 

[Stu Jackson]

It really depends on the look YOU like for your boat. We have oil only, I personally don't like the extra work involved with varnish down below and I hate the shiny look. Others will certainly differ. Your boat, your choice. Varnish over oil - there are instructions out there, sorry I just don't know 'em. If the boat's new to you, give it some time, look around before you decide what's for you. Good luck.

 

[Sailavie1]

Thanks Stu, I too prefer oil for the look and ease of re-application. Good to hear others do as well. I suspect varnish is easer to clean and doesn't collect dirt as much though.

 

[Ross]

I use oil below and paint up top.

 

[higgs]

Varnish will eventually need to be sanded and refinished. Oil, in the cabin, should only need a reapplication every few years. To me it is a no brainer.

 

[LuzSD]

We have oil below and love it. I love the smell, and also, like others, do not like the shiny look, but that's very personal. I prefer warm light and warm wood, and oiled wood just feels warm to me. We don't have any issue with dirt/ dust collecting anywhere that a rag won't wipe away. I think the only issue with Oil would be teak that has been neglected for a long time........ our 27 does not ever seem to completely absorb the oil and look well oiled. Our 30 does and I think I oil it everything every 6 months or so..... maybe I should do it every 3 but .... If I were on the 27 more often, I think I would work harder at getting the teak to brighten up but I am going to let the rest of our family take on that issue. I'm happy on our well oiled 30

 

[FourPoints]

In the 90's Hunter used Daily's seafin teak oil on the interior, I'm not sure what was used on your 08', it may be the same.

I like the Daly's oil for a base, but prefer to give it a few top coats with Daly's profin gloss. it is a hard oil finish that looks and cleans up like it is a varnish finish, but touch ups and repairs work like oil. I strongly endorse the product, I have used it on nearly all my interior wood, and it looks fantastic.

 

[Chris Patterson]

+1 on the Daly's. I recently redid an Island Packet interior with it, and it was awesome to work with.

 

[kito]

Oil for me both inside and out. I just refinshed the teak on my C22 where the PO used varnish. What a pain it was to remove that old nasty looking varnish. When my teak looks a little dull I just rub on some more oil. When varnish looks bad, sanding it down and reapplying may be your only option. Plus I like the warm look of the teak with oil instead of the shiny varnish.