Wooden Crab Rail Restoration TEAK

[Marcio Bodnariuc]

My exterior teak (crab rail and companionway doors) are very dark.Somebody suggested power washing.Besides power washing can anybody suggest a sealant or varnish to bring it back to life.Should I also stain the teak or just by washing would be bright enought to just seal or varnish?Appreciate any comments/suggestions.

 

[Steve Winkle]

Other Choices

Marcio -Before you hit them with a power washer, try a good teak cleaner first. That may be all that's needed assuming the teak hasn't been previously varnished or otherwise sealed. After using the teak cleaner and rinsing, let them dry and see how they look. If the cleaner has removed all the darkening, all that may be needed at that point is teak oil or varnish - your choice. Power washers can harm the wood by blasting out softer wood fibers leaving you with an uneven surface that can catch and trap dirt.Fair winds,SteveS/V Options

 

[Debra B]

soap water and bleach may work

in place of the 1 part teak cleaners. the 2 part cleaners are acid and neutralizer. be VERY careful of the acid.Once cleaned, you can do several things. Sand and varnish. There is nothing like the of varnished teak - when it is properly looked after. Not looked after it will look awful.I went with Cetol Light, there are other non-varnish finshes. This is a once-a-year treatment that fits with my maintenance schedule. Varnish is too labor intensive for my taste.