TO TEAK OR NOT TO TEAK OIL

[sailingrbg]

TO TEAK OR NOT TO TEAK OIL

I am currently sanding down my two wooden hand rails and have removed the old varnish off them (which has taken about 5 hours) I now have two great looking hand rails and am wondering whether it is better to varnish them or to apply teak oil any thoughts or suggestions welcome. I am wondering if I re-teak oil the hand rails will this have an effect if in future years I decide to then varnish them?

 

[Hoolie]

I'm sure this topic has been covered before, but teak oil remains sticky and is probably unsuitable for hand rails. If you want a non-varnish treatment you could use Danish oil which dries completely. But it erodes in time and will need re-doing more often than varnish.

 

[Stingo]

Using nothing. If it is genuine teak, just splash some sea water over it and a gentle brushing will keep 'em looking good.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Agree, much easier and looks better in the long run.

 

[JerryHawkins]

I have used several types including ordinary danish oil, which looks good but requires re-doing every 3 or 4 months or so. The best I've found is "Starbrite Tropical Teak Oil" (must be the "Tropical" version), which lasts extremely well. Two coats have lasted over 12 months and is only just starting to fade in patches. Dries properly, not sticky at all. Two colours are aviallable traditional and light. The light has a very "yellowy" appearance and the starnard a more normal "brown woody" colour.

Cheers,

Jerry

 

[Dipper]

I would also use Danish oil. It's very easy to apply and it 'feeds' the wood. This is the complete opposite of varnish!

I use Danish oil on all my wood - inside and out.

 

[Amari]

Agree, do nothing. See 2 similar threads on PBO forum yesterday

 

[pvb]

Leave them untreated. Much easier, and maintains good grip.

 

[ebbtide]

Nonsense - am not a v practical guy, but discovering Sikkens satin varnish was a breakthro - Thank you Hardway Marine. Superb for teak grabrails, boarding platform, rubbing strake (iroko) and all the cockpit trim (mahogany). Apply in the rain (well almost) touch in scratches (when you feel like it) . . .
Next you'll tell me about bread that comes already SLICED!

 

[asj1]

The "Starbrite Tropical Teak Oil" goes on well, but it does look like the sort brown stain you would put on your garden shed ! but maybe I had chosen the wrong colour.

I am experimenting this year and one rubbing strake is with this Starbright stuff and the other side is with a varnish (not Sikkens), I will then decide which looks best at the end of the season. Both went on in April and both have been re-coated once.

So far the colour and look of the varnish is much better, but I suspect the Starbright stuff will actually last longer

 

[derekgillard]

Tried them all and danish oil is my best bet

 

[sailingrbg]

Many thanks to all those that replied, I decided yesterday to apply teak oil and it is looking great however will make a decision latter in the year or next (my thoughts are that if the teak oil does not work to well then is should be easy enough to sand down again and apply varnish

Can anyone advise where to buy Danish oil and any brands recommended

Many thanks again

 

[Lakesailor]

Shame you started with teak oil. Danish oil specifically mentions on the tin that it can be used as a primer for further paint or varnish coatings.
I got mine from the local hardware store.

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