Re: Wood trim restoration.
Sikkens Cetol Natural Teak. Cetol is the only finish that really lasts IMHO. I refinished a teak bilge door with Cetol about 3 years ago, and it still looks great. The bilge door is exposed to the elements 9 months of the year. Cetol isn't cheap, (about $35 a quart) but it pays for itself in time and aggravation. There is another finish called Deks Olje, or something like that, supposedly is good but I never tried it. I think that it is a two step process with two finishes if you want hi gloss.
Teak oil requires re-application several times a year to keep it looking good. (PITA) Spar varnish looks good initially but will not last more than a couple of years without refinishing if exposed to the elements.
Cleaning the teak prior to finishing is abit of a pain, but necessary regardless of the finish used. I use a solution of 25% chlorine bleach, 75% H2O. That solution works as well as the teak cleaners you can buy. I have a small electric pressure washer (1650 PSI) that I wash the chlorine solution off with that does a really good job. I used a higher pressure washer once but it damaged the wood. All of the cleaning solutions will raise the grain, so sanding will be necessary. I use a small ROS with 120 grit which works well.
