International Woodskin- yay or nay?

Would you use Woodskin again?

  • Recommend

    Votes: 52 68.4%

  • Avoid

    Votes: 8 10.5%

  • Mixed results

    Votes: 16 21.1%
  • Total voters
    76
Kelpie

Kelpie

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Woodskin is lauded by some as the best thing going, as a durable and low maintenance finish which looks acceptable, if not quite up to Classic Yacht standards.
However from searching the forum I have found many people who have been disappointed with it, and ended up stripping it all off after a season.

So... of those who have actually used the stuff- recommend, avoid, or have you had mixed results?
 
I used it on teak washboards and I thought it was OK, looked good when applied in doors. Outside it had had an orange tint to it and I went off the colour.

It does fade significantly in UV as after a season the woodskin that was under the security bar that sits over the washboards was much darker. Only sanding back would remove this. If there is a perception that it is a paint and forget product, then change your perception. After a year and half mine developed dark spots here and there, not sure why, so again more sanding.

I believed I prepared the washboards well but they are very old and have been heavily varnished in the past which had pealed. The wood was subjected to mould and green stuff, so I am prepared to accept that my preparation may have looked OK but was not.

I may use it again when I make new washboards based on the good comments about the product.
 
A slightly qualified "yay"

One thing I would question is "durable" because it's abrasion resistance is, in my experience, virtually non-existant

Had no issues with it on teak at all, it looked good and still looks good over a year later. It's only suffered where ropes have chaffed against it (but then so would varnish)
 
IF it's the same as Cetol Filter 7 (which seems to be the general opinion) then I'd say 'yay'. Been using that for the last 15 - 20 years and am very satisfied with the result. When this can runs dry I will probably still go and buy the Cetol (if it's still available) as I wouldn't want to risk a failure.
 
Bru said:
A slightly qualified "yay"

One thing I would question is "durable" because it's abrasion resistance is, in my experience, virtually non-existant

Had no issues with it on teak at all, it looked good and still looks good over a year later. It's only suffered where ropes have chaffed against it (but then so would varnish)
Click to expand...

+1. Exactly so. 4 yrs still looks good but will need some touch up this year.
 
Can I suggest Epifanes Woodfinish. This is specifically invented for teak and iroko. It is very easy to apply, good quality gloss 'varnished' look and is lasting. It can also be obtained as 'Matte'.
 
On my spars in UK Woodskin has done very well indeed, three seasons in all weathers. In Greece not quite so good, although part of the problem was the high ambient temperature when I applied it, not allowing it to soak in. I reapplied it this year in cooler conditions and it is doing well.
 
I've just finished doing the wooden doors of our sunroom with Osmo oil. Recommended by our builder. Has a pleasing semi gloss finish and only takes 2 coats. Also available in loads of shades. if you're after the high gloss 'Le Tonk' finish its not for yo u though.
 
Used it on my tiller and mahogany washboards. On third season, a couple of grey spots on the tiller, that's about it. Thumbs up from me
 
Kelpie said:
Woodskin is lauded by some as the best thing going, as a durable and low maintenance finish which looks acceptable, if not quite up to Classic Yacht standards.
However from searching the forum I have found many people who have been disappointed with it, and ended up stripping it all off after a season.

So... of those who have actually used the stuff- recommend, avoid, or have you had mixed results?
Click to expand...

Kelpie, what did you go for in the end and how has it been?
 
A strong recommendation from me. I Woodskinned my toe rails in mid 2016 (post #13) but for health reasons was unable to return to Greece in 2017. In 2018 I fully expected to have to do them again but they are as good as the day I did them, despite 20 months in Greek sunshine. Boat was ashore within a few metres of the sea.
 
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