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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 just read this months sail magazine where they show a treatment for teak using an epoxy undercoat. Has anyone tried this method? I put (1) coat of teak oil on some badly weathered wood and I am not thrilled with the results so far.
I also used cetol on a previous power boat and did not care for the plastic look it left.
i have not tried the epoxy. but have used cetol LITE, which is not orange,with positive results. before applying anything i would suggest using te-ka to clean the teak, then sanding before applying cetol.
I've tried many ways of finishing exterior teak. Epoxy under varnish was the worst teak finish mistake I've made (so far<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>). The theory sounded good, and it look OK at first, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I waited too long to renew the varnish one time. When the varnish failed, direct sunlight got to the epoxy. The epoxy turned a sickly brownish yellow cloudy color, and the worst of it started to crack and peel. Removing all of that mess was a miserable job involving chemical paint removers, acetone, a propane torch, a tiny razor edged scraper, lots of sandpaper, and many hours of patience and agrevation.<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle> I don't recommend it.
Be sure you prep the wood before applying oil. Otherwise, putting oil on the weathered wood will indeed look bad!
Use a mild teak cleaner if you can. The stronger ones are in fact a bleach, but if the weathering is severe, you may need to use it after all. A drying agent, followed by thinned coats of oil/prep, will really bring out a nice finish. I use the Amazon products, others are equally effective. Personal preference.
Once the wood is restored, just be sure to reapply oil a few times a season. Not hard at all. I also use a canvas mooring cover, which tends to protect the rails from the sun.
One of the best and most inexpensive methods of cleaning grey old teak, is to apply a solution of TSP and water onto the teak, let it soak for 5 minutes or so, and give it a scrub with a fine wire brush. You won't believe the dirt and crud that leaches to the top and comes out of the wood. Rinse the wood, let it dry, then apply your favorite 'protectant/brightener' - I use Minmax Helmsman satin -using a 1" badger hair brush - because I like the finish, and I'd rather be sailing than applying coats and coats of varnish.
One of the best and most inexpensive methods of cleaning grey old teak, is to apply a solution of TSP and water onto the teak, let it soak for 5 minutes or so, and give it a scrub with a fine wire brush. You won't believe the dirt and crud that leaches to the top and comes out of the wood. Rinse the wood, let it dry, then apply your favorite 'protectant/brightener' - I use Minmax Helmsman satin -using a 1" badger hair brush - because I like the finish, and I'd rather be sailing than applying coats and coats of varnish.
How about that wonderfull weathered look for low maintenance. Slice a lemon in half rub the teak down with it. Use the other half in your margarita while you watch you neighbor sweating over his teak. Parrot heads forever. Thanks Jimmy
<font face='Comic Sans MS'><font size=2>Douglas – I use the “lemon” method and then just oil with “Watco” exterior. I use the lemon because it does the job and is very biodegradable. I also use the lemon with mild soap on the interior to kill any mildew and it makes the boat smell “lemony fresh”. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle></font id=size2></font id='Comic Sans MS'>
<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> How about that wonderfull weathered look for low maintenance. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>
Weathered is nice, but don't mistake it for maintenance. As the natural oils in teak migrate to the surface and break down under UV, the teak becomes more able to soak up water. Then, it starts to crack and split--especially in freezing weather--Jimmy doesn't know about that stuff! <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle> So, if you like that cracked and split look, just let it "waste away in Margaritaville." <img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle> Don't ask me how I know, but I'm going to avoid it on Passage.
Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 SR-FK #5032 "Passage" in CT
Douglas - really now! Lemon in a margarita?? What heresy is this! If you tried that here (San Antonio - where the margarita was invented) you'd be run out of town... Derek
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.