restoring teak

[thatguy]

hey guys,

While the weather here in Boston isnt too conducive to me working outside for a few more months, I decided to take the cuddy cabin door off of the boat and restore it. Its a bi fold teak door. The outside was looking pretty beat, sun faded, and all gray and black. I washed it down with some solution and it took a good part of the gray color out. After that I used some 80 grit paper to smooth out the grain, and cut it down to fresh wood. After a cleaned up with the 80, I stepped up to 150 grit. THe door is looking great now, looks almost brand new.

My question is what should I use to protect it now? Growing up my old man was mental about the teak, always having me clean it and oil it. I love the look of the teak, but want less maintenance. What have you guys used? Varnish? sealer? What are the pros and cons of each? I dont know much about sealing or coating teak, like I say, I was ONLY allowed to oil it on my old mans boat.

Thanks guys, any info will be greatly appreciated!

Tom

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: restoring teak

Bless your 'old man'...he was pretty smart!

Teak oil is what is best to use...it shows off the beauty of teak, and allows the wood to properly 'breathe'.

Seal it, and you will probably notice that it is starting to warp...not right away, but warp it will.

Just my experience...not worth the 2 cents your father once loaned me...!

 

[65Mech]

Re: restoring teak

like previously stated, teak oil. unless you go with plastic and get rid of the teak all together.

 

[thatguy]

Re: restoring teak

yeah, my old man isnt a bad guy at all. He rode me hard growing up, but I have no complaints. He made me the man I am today and I am passing that knowledge on to my to be step son. I just don't know if Ill ride him as hard as I was.

Now, back to the teak, as far as the tthat is concerned, I wasn't sure if there was a new chemical or process that would allow it to be sealed for longer lasting beauty/less maintenance. I have no problems cleaning and oiling at all. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can about all of my options.


Tom

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: restoring teak

yeah, my old man isnt a bad guy at all. He rode me hard growing up, but I have no complaints. He made me the man I am today and I am passing that knowledge on to my to be step son. I just don't know if Ill ride him as hard as I was.

Now, back to the teak, as far as the tthat is concerned, I wasn't sure if there was a new chemical or process that would allow it to be sealed for longer lasting beauty/less maintenance. I have no problems cleaning and oiling at all. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can about all of my options.


Tom

Hard love, ain't so bad...it usually has some awesome results! Sounds like you are living proof of that....

As for the teak...if there is some new fangled 'one step' product out there...I am not sure that I want to know about it. The loving care of teak wood, is almost like a spiritual ritual...keeps you in 'touch' with what is permanent, and worth time doing. Ask your dad....

I have a good deal of teak on one of my boats...and as soon as the Four Seasons allows, I will be 'popping' a top, and getting close and personal with it!

Like I said...only a couple of pennies worth of a long time getting here!

 

[Paul Bell]

Re: restoring teak

My 89 Celebrity is full of teak and I have tried all different teak oils,sealers,ATF(yes auto trans fluid) and any other option. All require at least a couple of applications per year...However I have found your answer.
Sikkens Cetol is a brand that goes on like a varnish and suggests 2-3 coats.
This stuff is AWESOME. There is a gloss or a satin version. your wood will look beautiful for years!!
I have even used on a swim platform that spends a lot of time in the water and I got 3 seasons on that.
No other product I have found looks or works this good.
Pricy at about 25 dollars per QT but that goes a long way.
West marine and I boat stores carry this.
You already did the hard part.
I think you will be thrilled how good it looks when done.

 

[gcboat]

Re: restoring teak

I suppose with any product usage there will always be a naysayer - guess I'll be that one for the Sikkens. It is indeed a good product but it does have a tendency to turn the wood a "muddy" color compared to a conventional varnish. There is a newer formula of the Sikkens out on the market now and from what I understand they have somehow managed to get rid of that reddish, muddy tint. Have not used it as I still have a gallon of 2015 to go through ( now that's good stuff ).
However, on a cockpit door with all of those slats I'd be really tempted to stay with the oil. So much easier to prep and apply. My $.02

 

[Paul Bell]

Re: restoring teak

There are a few different color options. The Cetol Marine looks like just oiled teak.There is also a clear option. Best part about this stuff is it holds up and especially once gone through the work of those slats it should last.
I need to get some pics sized small enough to be posted on this forum.

 

[GO OVRIT]

Re: restoring teak

Throwing my vote in for Sikkens. Its great stuff.

 

[Gearhead62]

Re: restoring teak

Do you Sikkens fans recommend it for a teak swim platform? Will it make it too slippery? If so, any alternatives that look good and are not so slippery?
Thnx