Wooden Cap Rail Protecton

Capojo

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I’m U.K. based, and looking for a non solvent (nonteak Oil) based UV (and ideally frost) protective product for a bare/natural Teak Cap Rail (c.10cm wide and 11m each side). I had considered covers but they are very expensive, so now considering a product. I’m not concerned about greying but don’t want to use anything that could compromise the glue that is used to bond the strips that make up the rail. Neither do I want varnish. So is there some spray or coating (a la Fabsil) that could be used to simply coat the top and protect from UV? I’m aware of SEMCO, but I believe that is based on solvent and penetrates the wood like oil. Any recommendations (even overseas products) welcomed.
 
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As long as you don't go scrubbing it along the grain or worse still use a pressure washer on it it doesn't need any protection other than from abrasion or other physical damage.
 

pvb

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I'm not sure it needs protection from UV at all. But if you want to stop it going green or getting little mildew spots on it, apply Boracol two or three times a year. I used Semco for the first time last year on my cockpit table, and I've been very impressed with the results. I can't see that the fact that it penetrates the wood slightly could have any adverse effect on the glue in your caprail. Semco do a clear coating which could be ideal. If you use Semco, you don't need to also use Boracol.
 

johnalison

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I have a teak rail which I have only treated with Patio Magic. It looks fine after 20 yrs but if I started again I would probably use something protective. A friend with a similar boat has used what I think was originally a Sikkens product but I think has changed. It looks very good and needs very little upkeep.
 

Capojo

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Thanks. The idea is I do want to protect it. I have a small split in one area (possibly caused by frost parting the glued sections); the boat is year 20 years old. I have seen a number of bare cap rails with lines of epoxy used to fix, and I want to avoid that if possible. All wood will benefit from protection from frost and UV so thought i’d explore.
 

Bobc

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You could try International Woodskin, but I understand that it can dry quite dark.

Teak Wonder is quite good. You apply the cleaner, then the brightener (gets it back to a golden colour), and then put a couple of coats of their clear laquer on. You have to do it every 6-12 months, but it does seem to put a nice hard coating onto it.
 
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Cetol Filter 7 is the same as Woodskin, but available in a wider range of tints, plus a bit cheaper (no yacht tax).
It gives UV protection apart from the version with transparent 'tint'.
I am changing over to Filter 7 from trad varnish on all my brightwork, including spars eventually. Easy to use and touch up
( although you don't get the mirror finish attainable with 97 coats of trad varnish).
The capping rails are done in the Light Oak shade, easy and good looking.
I think it's good stuff. Also, to go against the flow a bit, I don't like the look of bare teak, and reckon it does better with some protection anyway.
 
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