Varnish over Teak Oil?

[sailsmanship]

Have a Transom cap that is teak. Sanded/Refinished it this summer and tried the periodic oiling of the teak to keep it looking good. Got real tired of that real quick. Would like to refinish it again and put multiple coats of varnish on it. Question is: the teak still has a very small bit of oil on it. I got tired of oiling it and just let it dry out the rest of the summer. Should I let it dry out more over the winter, or can I varnish over it now?

 

[ivan_ogburn]

Re: Varnish over Teak Oil?

Teak doesn't hold varnish as well as other woods due to its oil content, but a long-lasting coating is possible with the right technique. Books have been written about applying varnish. You may not get that perfect, mirror-like finish on your first try, but as long as the wood is ivory smooth, the weather is warm and dry, and you don't "worry" the varnish with too many brush strokes, you should get admirable results. Plan on applying at least six coats.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Varnish over Teak Oil?

Forget it, you are not going to be happy with the results. <br /><br />OK, You can do it and maybe get away with it if it is interior teak, but not outside. Because of the oil in teak, it will come to the surface in warm weather and crack the varnish, then you have to remove the varnish.<br /><br />How about replacing the teak with another wood like mahogany?<br /><br />If you are going to try it anyway, soak the teak in Laguer thinner or acetone and it will dry the oil out some. Then let the thinner evaporate and go from there. Unless you are doing this inside, wait untill next spring.

 

[djvan]

Re: Varnish over Teak Oil?

I varnished my teak trim 3 years ago, still looks great. Boat is only outside when being used though. 3 coats, light sanding between each coat.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Laddies]

Re: Varnish over Teak Oil?

Dek Olje, will give you a brite finish that will last 4 to 5 years in fresh water, we use it on alot of boats.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Varnish over Teak Oil?

You might have a look at Sikkens Cetol rather than varnish. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to.<br /><br />Oiling teak is way too much hassle unless you have only got a couple pieces of it to do, or store your boat under cover. Washing with acetone will help spar varnish stick, but it's a continuous maintanance operation too - only expect a couple years before you've got some work to do.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Varnish over Teak Oil?

Best thing I've ever used for teak is Watco oil.