Maintaining teak trim

[coopec]

Previously I used linseed oil on my teak handrails etc but have switched over to Sikkens Cetol HLSe. I have used a stiff scrubbing brush but am now using a cordless drill (el cheapo) and a stiff nylon brush. That makes the job a lot easier but I'm wondering if you guys have any tips to make the job easier? (I have used a 240V cord drill plugged into an earth leakage protection board and I watch where any water goes (not hard) so it is probably quite safe and that is a lot faster)

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[KevO]

Personally I never use anything more harsh than a sponge on my teak trim! Stiff brushes just rip out all the softer grain material and leave the teak very 'ridged' which will eventually require sanding back to make it smooth again. To clean the teak I use a 2 part cleaner and brightener once a year, then soak it with patio magic to give it some protection from going green or black during the season. Then just let it weather back to that lovely silver colour over the next few weeks.

 

[coopec]

Thanks for that Kevin

Now that I am using Sikkens Cetol I hope I won't ever have to scrub it harshly again. I agree with you regarding the damage it does. Having linseed oil once I wonder why anyone uses it. It looks great for a start but rapidly turns black. Yuk!

 

[vyv_cox]

. Then just let it weather back to that lovely silver colour over the next few weeks.

Trouble is it just keeps on weathering. After 10 years of no treatment other than fresh water washing the dimensions of my teak toe and hand rails are now reduced by about 20%, sufficient for most of the plugs to be ejected. I have now sanded back and treated with International Woodskin, which seems to do well even in the Med.

 

[Tranona]

Think your Cetol is similar formulation to the International Woodskin we have here (which replaced Cetol). once you have cleaned your teak with acetone and applied 3 coats of Cetol you should not need to touch it for some years. It is a porous coating which does not chip, crack or fade and if it does suffer damage from abrasion it is easily touched up. Long term tests both in the UK and the med have shown life of 5 years or more without recoating.

 

[coopec]

Thank you Tranoma, you've made my day!! I can see myself working all day just to get the trim ready for the cetol. Phew!!