Teak Oil Suggestions?

[robcassell]

I am trying to get some feedback on what people use to keep their teak a constant golden brown. I rather not see it varnish. I have heard of a couple oils (WATCO/Amazon/Star Brite) but want to make sure I buy the best to get the appearance I am looking for. What does everyone else use or would never use again? I am leaning towards Star Brite.

 

[[10753]]

Hopefully not sounding rude but whats wrong with natural silver ?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Tha vast majority of people don't use anything..... and instead just make sure its kept clean.... take a look at the following guide from TCM

 

[robcassell]

Just personal preference, I guess. I like the honey color for now. Maybe I am going down the wrong path, what is the difference between a teak oil, protector, and sealer?

 

[Iota]

Semco from Onward Trading is a good product. They are at Bursledon but also do mail order. Use their cleaner then natural oil. Twice a season does it

Iota

 

[AIDY]

nothing.. teak oil sweats and collects dirt. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[cnh]

I've been using linseed oil. Apply sparingly and often to begin with. Very easy to maintain.

 

[morgandlm]

Most of the teak bits on my boat are left untreated but I have used Endeavour Oil (bought from Howells) for treating the teak grids I also bought from Howells as self-build kits for the cockpit sole. These grids get quite a hammering and I think enjoy the oil. ;-)

The stuff certainly seems to penetrate the wood, is not slippery (and smells great!) and lasts very well.
Morgan

 

[Billjratt]

I'm in the throws of experimenting with Danish oil and have also got a tin of tung oil. Assuming the teak is well sanded, you get a finish like furniture. Once you've done the initial work, regular wipes with slightly oily cloth smarten it up just loverly.

 

[DickB]

The gold colour comes from the natural teak, but as soon as you put oil of any brand onto the wood, it goes darker. I gave up on the oils in the first year (6 years ago). I have used Teak Wonder to clean and brighten, and that does a great job but it lasts about 2 -3 months before it gets a silver hue. The Semco product has a light stain that looks great again for about 3 - 6 months but then gets rather blotchy. The regular teak cleaners ar OK, but there is nothing that will maintain the pretty golden colour for any great period of time. All of them advertise that is does not take any great effort to apply - b_ll_cks!!! It is hard work!!!

In the spring you also tend to get a growth of green algae on the surface. This looks 'orrible and I have also tried the Mould treament from Polycell. This does help and I noticed that on the area where I plosched some (diluted) late last year there is no green. It is still going silver though.

If you are really keen you cab belt sand the wood, but be careful because those things chew through the wood, and before long you are looking at a very expensive replacement!!! I did this once to get rid of the deep grooves caused by repeated brushing.

The question is wheter it is worth the time and effort. Personally I still think a fresh looking tan colour is very good, and I reckon on a twice a year effort to clean up the decks is worth it, but it is hard work!!!

Good luck

 

[Amari]

I've always been advised not to oil, and teak bleaches best if sea, not fresh, water is used to wash down

 

[vyv_cox]

A few years ago I tried Deks Olje on my toerails, hand rails and other miscellaneous bits of teak on deck. It was one of the worst jobs I ever did. The stuff has the viscosity of water and it's almost impossible to prevent drips. Worse still, after all that work, any that was applied to previously varnished wood all failed within a year.

However, amongst the miscellaneous bits was my outboard motor stand, a piece of unvarnished teak (substitute) about 18 x 8 x 1.5 inches. That has never been touched since, must be at least six years, and it still looks very good.

 

[boathead]

Teak Oil / Dulux Trade Danish Oil....

I am trying to get some feedback on what people use to keep their teak a constant golden brown. I rather not see it varnish. I have heard of a couple oils (WATCO/Amazon/Star Brite) but want to make sure I buy the best to get the appearance I am looking for. What does everyone else use or would never use again? I am leaning towards Star Brite.

Hi there,

Firstly I take the points about leaving woodwork alone made by folk. However I am a bit 'anal' about these things and I use Dulux Trade Danish Oil, it's thicker than most of theTeak Oils you buy and takes longer to soak in (up to 6 hours depending) I carry a large container with me.

I move around quite a bit both summer and winter months and the woodwork stays, in your words 'honey coloured' all year round. 3 coats first time then one once a year and no-one believes I don't sit in Marinas polishing all day.

Don't varnish....... you'll create loads of work down the line.

All the best

 

[Niander]

i use boiled linseed oil/white spirit mix 50/50

 

[cormorrant]

in praise of tung oil

Hello, I have tried linseed oil and it is not waterproof and gets fungal after a year of being under a cover.
Fortunately after a light sanding and clean with white spirits or thinners you can apply Tung Oil.The first coat should be thinned 50:50 with thinners/white spirits, brushed or wiped on with a rag. Leave for a few hours or longer, wipe off excess and let it dry or semi-dry before putting on the next coat and next....hardens off to matt shine which is very waterproof and enhances the wood. Have only used it on hardwoods not on ply....will try a test piece. Its great stuff...read about it on wikipedia. Happy sailing!