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The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I'm preparing to bite the bullet and work on my exterior teak. After I sand all the old varnish off, how do I finish the prep -- cleaner, brightener, both, one-part product, acid? Is there a regular, hardware store type product which is sufficient so I don't have to voyage to the Dark Side and purchase from the Evil Empire (West/Boat US)?
After sanding I just clean the dust off with mineral spirits, then start to varnish. It might sound a little silly, but it is sorta' "inspirational" ... the mineral spirits not only cleans the teak, but it "wets" the teak and gives you a preview of how good it's going to look when you are finished.
BTW, be sure to allow the varnish to completely cure between coats ... that means waiting at least 24 hours ... otherwise, you'll make a mess. Also, many light coats produce a nicer result than a couple of thick ones. If you really want to make it look nice, use a little steel wool (or synthetic pads) to lightly sand between coats.
Good luck ... we expect photos of the finished product! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> . . . how do I finish the prep -- cleaner, brightener, both, one-part product, acid? <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>
<font color=red>I think many people have damaged the anodized finish of the aluminum frame of their portlites with teak cleaners/brighteners.</font id=red>
If the wood is clear and not stained, just apply the finish. I clean with mineral spirits also. If the wood is blotched or too dark, bleach it with oxalic acid (available at most home stores). Make it into a paste with a little water and apply for a day or so. rinse well and wash with soda, allow to dry, sand, and apply finish.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.