Cleaning Teak wood?

[MrDumb]

I bought some teak wood oil yesterday. But I was wondering what kind of household product I could use to clean the wood first. Any suggestions?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

I would just go back to your marine store and buy some teak cleaner. Or return your teak oil and get a teak kit, usually a better price. They will have several types of teak cleaner from very mild to supper strong.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

A pressure cleaner will do a nice job if you have access to one.

 

[Flash Wax Man]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

Hello,<br /><br />You can use a Wire Wheel cleaning acid with a brass bristol brush. You can also use muratic acid from like home depot its cheaper, but you better dilute it alot. Like 1 part acid to 15 to 20 parts water. You can also use an All Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser. The acid does a better job though. Let the cleaner work for about 30 seconds to a minute before scrubbing. Rinse with a pressure hose. After it dries, the teak will be ready for oil.

 

[JB]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

I recommend that you do not use muriatic acid. It is a mix of hydrochloric and sulphuric acids and is very hazardous. <br /><br />For heavy duty cleaning use oxalic acid, which specifically attacks calcium deposits but wont harm gelcoat or paint.<br /><br />Star Brite makes a very good teak cleaner and a very good teak brightener to use before oiling. Both are safe on gelcoat and paint. They are what I use and they work well.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Fire Medic]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

Cheap way out is to clean/ scrub it with bleach.... that will actuly bring back a lot of the color, then spry it on a regular basis.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

I recently just finished restoring an older boat with plenty of teak on it, but I didnt go the teak oil route, didnt turn out quite dark enough for me since the wood was older and needed a complete restoration.This technique was taught to me by an old master shipwright. Your wood will turn out beautiful if you follow these steps, its time consuming but worth it!

1. Sand with desired grit (depending on condition of wood) then final sand with 220 grit paper. Wipe with cloth.

2. Wipe with cloth dampened with Acetone.

3. Apply varnish 50/50 mixture with varnish thinner.

4. Wait 3 days to dry -DO NOT SAND!

5. Apply straight varnish

6. Wait 3 days to dry-sand VERY LIGHTLY note: if gummy balls form-STOP-varnish is not dry. Wait another day.

7. Sand very lightly-wipe powder with cloth.

8. Apply another coat of varnish

9. Sand very lightly-wipe down with ACETONE

10. Apply final varnish 50/50 mixture

Put remaining varnish into one or more smaller jars with tight fitting lids

NEVER PUT YOUR BRUSH INTO THE CAN OF VARNISH-POUR VARNISH INTO WIDE MOUTH GLASS JAR WHEN APPLYING.

The varnish and thinner I prefer are Epifanes Clear Varnish and Epifanes Brush Thinner, but if you go to your local sailboat /yacht store, they will have a suitable replacement. Note: You will not be able to get the correct varnish / and or thinner at your local hardware store/canadian tire/home depot. Go to your local sailboat store. Hope this helps you all, Happy Boating!!

 

[evilratgirl]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

I use the Starbrite kit that has the cleaner, restorer and oil. Very simple, does a great job, lasts well and cheap.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Cleaning Teak wood?

The Question was ask back in July 2003. I do not think he is still waiting for a reply. If you have a new question try a new thread.