TEAK GRATING: VARNISH OR OIL?

[alisdair4]

I am refurbishing the woodwork on Midnight Drifter. The cockpit grating had been painted with some grotty brown stain but this has mostly worn off. I plan to sand the grating to remove the remants of the stain then re-coat it. However, should I use varnish (all the other woodwork less the grabrails is varnished) or use oil? What will look better and last loinger?

 

[boatbuilder]

Re: TEAK GRATING: VARNISH OR OIL?

Use nothing, both oil and varnish are slippy, teak is naturally non slip.

 

[damo]

Re: TEAK GRATING: VARNISH OR OIL?

Ditto - just wash it from time to time

 

[johnalison]

Re: TEAK GRATING: VARNISH OR OIL?

I'd probably use the Polycel mould-killer I use on the deck.

 

[doug748]

Yes, leave the grating but you might like to varnish the frame. Well not exactly varnish, I would use the grotty brown stain you took off. Use a teak shade and you will find it makes a pleasing contrast to the plain timber. At least it will in the depths of the cockpit where no-one will be looking very closely. Nothing wears like it and maintenence is easy, being only a once a season job.

 

[ebbtide]

EIGHT boats owned and only now have I discovered Sikkens Natural varnish. Matt finish with slight colour, applies/touches up like oil even in iffy weather. It's a Godsend, OK for mahogany, teak and iroko too. Will never use anything else - grabrails inside and out, bathing platform, wood trim, chart table - they all look good say our visitors. Go for it!

 

[doug748]

I agree, Sikkens is great. I did not mention it in this case because I have yet to use it in high wear situations like underfoot.

 

[santeana]

Re: TEAK GRATING: VARNISH OR OIL?

I use varnish (Epifanes). Have not had any problem with slipperyness underfoot. Looks smart and hard wearing.

 

[alec]

[ QUOTE ]
EIGHT boats owned and only now have I discovered Sikkens Natural varnish. Matt finish with slight colour, applies/touches up like oil even in iffy weather. It's a Godsend, OK for mahogany, teak and iroko too. Will never use anything else - grabrails inside and out, bathing platform, wood trim, chart table - they all look good say our visitors. Go for it!

[/ QUOTE ]

Just what I was going to say. Works fine on my grating and very hard wearing.

I plan to use the 'natural' one this year in other places.

Thinks................... Varnish is now only useful to people like Griff R J who has loads of money. Nice if you can afford someone else to put 15 coats on every year.

 

[Bodach na mara]

I use Starbrite Tropical teak wax on mine. It is not slippy once dried and lasts all season. Clean up with their cleaner in winter and another coat in spring.

 

[SmileyGiley]

Sikkens - what they said - it is excellent. Have tried oils, varnol, varnish etc etc. The Sikkens is easy to prep & is easily touched up and lasts well in any case.

 

[Gunfleet]

Do you mean Sikkens Cetol or is there another natural? I've used Sikkens to good effect on the trim and on the tiller but never considered it underfoot.

 

[Bodach na mara]

Like Doug and Malaprop, I like Sikkens products as well, having used "Masterstroke" on brightwork for many years. It is no longer available however and all I have been able to get near Glasgow is Cetol. I don't know which Cetol I have got either, it is at the boat. I used that last of the Masterstroke last year on the grab rails and rubbing strip. (I do not really like the "neglected gray teak" look that goes green with algal growth.)

What is the "Natural" you describe? I cannot find out which it is from the many listed on the Woodcare Direct site at http://www.woodcaredirect.co.uk/search.cfm?search_string=sikkens The list of colours available does not seem to include natural.

I am sure a lot of people will be interested in the answer.