Varnishing Teak

[Guest]

I want to coat Teak on a boat but I do not like Yacht Varnish ,It dosen,t even last a season before it flakes off. I have tried using Sadolin with some success but I would like to keep the teak as light as possible. I have heard of a product I think it is called G.4. But i could be wrong about the name it is supposed to be very good can any one help please. Any Ideas on finishing woodwork on boats welcomed thankyou

 

[pvb]

Leave it bare!...

Once you start putting anything on teak, you're creating a big ongoing workload. Just leave it bare - it'll go a nice warm grey colour and have better nonslip qualities. Wash now and again with Scotchbrite pad (not a brush) to keep it looking good.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Look at using Sikkens, more expensive than other coverings but well worth the extra.

 

[BarryH]

Re: Leave it bare!...

I always found Burgess Wood Sealer to be good, goes on easy comes off easy, makes life easy!

 

[coliholic]

I HATE bare grey teak. Looks so uncared for and weatherbeaten and unloved, makes any boat look tatty and tired.

IMHO of course.

Agree with LJS. SIkkens is good.

 

[Guest]

Used dejks oil (not spelt right but its dutch) no 1 seals and no 2 varnishes. when it needs redoing just wipe with a pan scourer and re-coat don't even need to worry about wether unless it actually rains. I used this with teak decks and all varnished superstructure (yes I was mad but iit looked great) The only thing is use lots! keep wipping the no 1 on till it wont go in anymore then do it again in a week, then again in another week - after that it seems indestructably and just gets wiped over twice a year when cleaning the boat.
PS did you degrease teak before varnishing? if not that why it came off.

Roly, Voya Con Dios, Glasson, Lancaster

 

[Chris_Robb]

I have extensive areas of teak varnised. The reason why it does not last the season is that you have not put enough coats on. I think a minimum of 6 must be one to provide basic protection from day one, and you would need to build to about 10 coats within the first season. My Teak stern rails are perfect after 4 years of building up coats, - probably 20 coats on now.

If you have a teak structure like a dog house, it is essential to protect the wood, as it will rot (over many years) as water gets in the joins.

I use Blakes Varnish or Internation Schooner. - I hate the look of some of the varnish like products.

It is essential that you rub down between coats if left for more than a week, other wise you will not get adheasion.

Lastly - never put Varnish on your cap rails, you will go mad everytime someone comes along side you, watching where they put there warps!

 

[Plum]

Re: Varnishing Teak - I also recommend Sikkens

If you want the appearance of varnish, then use varnish (as long as you degrease and apply more than 6 coats). If you can live with something less pretty, then I recommend two coats of "Sikkens Cetol Filter 7" over the top of one coat of "Sikkens Cetol HLS". Rubbing down between coats is not necessary. Interestingly, I spoke to the UK distributors of Sadolin to ask about the suitability of Sadolin on boats and they said do not use it, use Sikkens (they were responsible for both!). I have been using Sikkens on my boat for 5 years and the previous owner had been using it for at least 4 years before me.

 

[Sammy]

Have you tried Starbrite Tropical Teak Oil?
I too do not like leaving my teak without any protection and for years went through the process of varnishing every year. The best in the varnish line was Deks Ojle which was much easier to keep and did not take too long to remove each season.
Tropical teak oil I have found to be the easiest to maintain and I clean off with a light rub down stick two coats on and touch up occassioanally through the season.
Best of luck,
Chris



www.BoatsThames.com

 

[Guest]

My experience is that the only varnish that won't flake off quickly is called Le Tonkinois - it's been featured in PBO recently.

I've used it for a couple of years and been very impressed with the ease of use and durability.

Benar Oil (?) will also hold, but not nearly as well - and it's hard to get a good finish.

Lost in Denmark - a yachtsmans paradise!

 

[david_bagshaw]

My vote would be for sikkens too. Excellent stuff, but as mentioned elsewhere min 6 coats.

Good luck

David
www.yachtman.co.uk