Cleaning teak decking

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brians

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The boat is now antifouled and nicely polished but the teak decking (seats) in the cockpit are looking a bit sad. Green patches and various blotches that look a bit like mildew or stains. I have tried various teak cleaners in the past but none have really performed as promised on the bottles.

Could it be that I should now consider a light sanding all over or will that do more harm than good.
 
A couple of seasons ago, I had some replacement seats/locker covers made up in teak decking. I was advised by the makers to "commission" them by using fine sandpaper wetted with teak oil (as clear as possible) along the grain, and then to dry them off with a cloth. Although they are protected from the elements much of the time, they nevertheless get marked and dirty, as they also used as steps. This year, some black mould (which seemed to be everywhere) had also caused some staining. I used a mild antifungal (Lidl sell a low cost spray, apparently containing much the same as the Polycell fluid) and when dry repeated the sanding procedure, gently using a very fine foam emery block. The oil residue was black with dirt etc, and when wiped off, it all looked like new. An annual procedure from now on....
 
brians said:
Could it be that I should now consider a light sanding all over or will that do more harm than good.
Click to expand...

I'd try cleaning it first with a soft sponge and dishwasher liquid, followed by copious rinsing. Then, when it's thoroughly dry, apply a flood coat of Boracol with a soft paintbrush. Allow to dry. In a couple of weeks it should look better; repeat if necessary. Then repeat 2 or 3 times a year.
 
I have teak all over my boat and I'm with pvb...
Wash then rinse, then whilst the deck is still wet I apply with a soft paint brush, Borocol.. A few days later it looks silvery grey and very good.
 
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