Teak and Iroko finishing

[Iliade]

I replaced the hand rails in teak in about 2022. I varnished them with several coats of thinned International Yacht Varnish and it has mostly completely failed, such that I am considering removing it and letting them go uniformly grey to match the seat slats!

Given the cost of teak I have succumbed to iroko with which to replace the rotten cockpit grating. My priority there is that it isn't slippery, but I would prefer an oiled or varnish finish.

What is the current hive mind opinion on both these issues? Any single finish that will serve for both?

 

[rogerthebodger]

I replaced the rub rails on my boat with Iroko and I used boiled linseed oil to protect the wood.

Other wood fittings the I use iroko on I used a product called timba care which has lasted reasonably well in a high UV environment.

I do tend to use canvas covers over exposed varnished wood to extend the life of the varnish

 

[Stemar]

I'm a fan of le Tonkinois. It stands up to the weather pretty well and, if it gets damaged, it doesn't lift off like varnish, so all you need to do is give it a quick rub down and a few fresh coats.

It's high gloss, but you can get a matting agent for a matt or satin finish, and it's non-slip, even when wet, though not as good as something like Kiwigrip. It survived several years on the stairs in a house full of teenagers, which must say something about its toughness.

 

[Plum]

I replaced the hand rails in teak in about 2022. I varnished them with several coats of thinned International Yacht Varnish and it has mostly completely failed, such that I am considering removing it and letting them go uniformly grey to match the seat slats!

Given the cost of teak I have succumbed to iroko with which to replace the rotten cockpit grating. My priority there is that it isn't slippery, but I would prefer an oiled or varnish finish.

What is the current hive mind opinion on both these issues? Any single finish that will serve for both?

I have been using Sikkens Cetol Filter 7, pine colour, on iroko for decades. Great stuff, but not for a grating as it is not the best for abrasion. I would definitely leave an iroko grating bare, works for me.

 

[howardclark]

My boat is wooden - anything I’m going to stand on or grab is left bare

 

[[70521]]

I'm a fan of le Tonkinois. It stands up to the weather pretty well and, if it gets damaged, it doesn't lift off like varnish, so all you need to do is give it a quick rub down and a few fresh coats.

It's high gloss, but you can get a matting agent for a matt or satin finish, and it's non-slip, even when wet, though not as good as something like Kiwigrip. It survived several years on the stairs in a house full of teenagers, which must say something about its toughness.

I'm a huge fan of Le Tonk not sure why anybody would ever use anything else.

Before I was introduced to it I used International Woodskin which appeared to evaporate in salty conditions in less than a season.

 

[Boathook]

When I fitted my new mahogany handrails I spent a bit of time varnishing them. Looked good for a few years but I could never get the same finish or one that lasted. Tried all the various stains as well.
Now trying Danish wood oil. Easy to apply and dries quickly as it soaks into the wood. Still early days as there is still some varnish on the rails but I do seem to be looking after the handrails a bit more !