I'm talking with Mom today (we both own sailboats) and she asked me about varnishing her teak. Hmmm, I've never thought about this since my boat has very little and it's easy to take care of. She feels it's just too much work to keep hers up. What do you think? Can she or should she varnish it? Thanks for your input.
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Here's that Cetol Discussion Again
Brian I recommend that you do a search of this forum using the words Cetol and Varnish. There is also a product called Armada which may show up in a search. Everything that's ever been said about varnish and other brightwork coverings has (most likely) already been written. Try that search and see how it works for you. There are 174 (one hundred seventy four!!!) hits on the word cetol. Use the search engine for the entire site, which has "moved" based on dialog box. Search in "all" to widen the search. Best regards, Stu
Brian I recommend that you do a search of this forum using the words Cetol and Varnish. There is also a product called Armada which may show up in a search. Everything that's ever been said about varnish and other brightwork coverings has (most likely) already been written. Try that search and see how it works for you. There are 174 (one hundred seventy four!!!) hits on the word cetol. Use the search engine for the entire site, which has "moved" based on dialog box. Search in "all" to widen the search. Best regards, Stu
Nothing wrong with rehashing
Researching the forum is a good idea, but sometimes I like to hear it fresh. I enjoy seeing well cared for "bright-work". Cetal lasts a lot longer but has an orange look to it and it also hides some of the natural beauty of the wood. Most varnishes look great but don't last worth a darn where the sun's UVs can do damage. There are some compromises between Cetol and varnish that some folks are very happy with. For a good source of comparison, you might look to “Practical Sailors” reviews. I like the look of varnish but I’m not too crazy about having to do mine at least twice a year so my solution was to sew Sunbrella fabric covers for all my teak.
Researching the forum is a good idea, but sometimes I like to hear it fresh. I enjoy seeing well cared for "bright-work". Cetal lasts a lot longer but has an orange look to it and it also hides some of the natural beauty of the wood. Most varnishes look great but don't last worth a darn where the sun's UVs can do damage. There are some compromises between Cetol and varnish that some folks are very happy with. For a good source of comparison, you might look to “Practical Sailors” reviews. I like the look of varnish but I’m not too crazy about having to do mine at least twice a year so my solution was to sew Sunbrella fabric covers for all my teak.
Teak Sealer
Someone posted here about Semco teak sealer some time ago. I decided to buy some and I like the results. The teak looks natural, more like oiled teak. The idea is to apply one coat once a year. No sanding (other than removing the old varnish), no extra coats. I just re-did my companionway boards for the first time since the initial coating. I used a paper towel to smooth on some new sealer and in about 10 minutes the boards looked like new. Worth a try. Chris
Someone posted here about Semco teak sealer some time ago. I decided to buy some and I like the results. The teak looks natural, more like oiled teak. The idea is to apply one coat once a year. No sanding (other than removing the old varnish), no extra coats. I just re-did my companionway boards for the first time since the initial coating. I used a paper towel to smooth on some new sealer and in about 10 minutes the boards looked like new. Worth a try. Chris
Use Bristol Finish
I have been using Bristol Finish for my brightwork for a couple of years now. It lasts at least one season and maybe more depending on your surface prep and application. Looks like varnish, but requires much less time to apply. Also, it does not require sanding between coats and can be put on wet-on-wet. I can do a varnish job in one or two days instead of six weeks. Good luck. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
I have been using Bristol Finish for my brightwork for a couple of years now. It lasts at least one season and maybe more depending on your surface prep and application. Looks like varnish, but requires much less time to apply. Also, it does not require sanding between coats and can be put on wet-on-wet. I can do a varnish job in one or two days instead of six weeks. Good luck. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
My opinion
If your mom doesn't think she'll keep up the brightwork, don't let her even *think* about finishing the wood. What's the point? Keep it clean & scrubbed can look just as nice (ok, not even CLOSE to as nice...) as varnished wood and most definitely better than neglected varnished wood! LaDonna
If your mom doesn't think she'll keep up the brightwork, don't let her even *think* about finishing the wood. What's the point? Keep it clean & scrubbed can look just as nice (ok, not even CLOSE to as nice...) as varnished wood and most definitely better than neglected varnished wood! LaDonna
Teak needs moisture...
Raw teak outside in the sun and weather will eventually deteriorate and crack. You need to put something on it to keep it from doing so. Varnish is pretty but a lot of work (and personally, I don't care for how it becomes more slippery when varnished), oil collects dirt and will, sooner or later, become dark and ugly and require cleaning. The teak sealer does not attract dirt and requires no cleaning.
Raw teak outside in the sun and weather will eventually deteriorate and crack. You need to put something on it to keep it from doing so. Varnish is pretty but a lot of work (and personally, I don't care for how it becomes more slippery when varnished), oil collects dirt and will, sooner or later, become dark and ugly and require cleaning. The teak sealer does not attract dirt and requires no cleaning.
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