refinishing Teak trim and platform

[aldwill49]

Hi, <br /><br />I have a 86 EbbTide IO that has a teac deck on the back and various teac plates and trim. I removed these to refinish them, but other than sanding and varnishing I am not sure what is best. The deck is at water level and pretty faded. I don't want to spend all summer sanding and coating all of this wood. Any suggestions on what would be good? This is always trailered when not being used. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

Some people varnish teak, aldwill, but old salts always oil it. Because teak has so much natural oil it is nearly impossible to get varnish to last over a year without cracking and peeling. Then you have a terrible sanding task to do.<br /><br />After sanding, use a teak cleaner on it. I always use Starbrite from their teak maintenance kit. That will get rid of all the grey and black.<br /><br />After the cleaning, use a teak brightener. Again, I use Starbrite. It will emphasize the grain and give it a more golden color.<br /><br />Finally, oil it with teak oil. I use Starbrite Golden. Two or three coats should do the trick. The result is the rich, golden brown that makes teak so beautiful.<br /><br />If your teak is constantly in the sun you should apply a coat of the oil about every six months. If you keep it covered it should last a couple of years before needing retreatment.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

I've had good luck with beeswax paste as a finish on teak (SnoSeal). It lasts over a year and can be scrubbed off and reapplied pretty quickly. Smells good too!<br /><br />I wouldn't personally varnish teak. The type products JB suggested can be obtained in kit form.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

What JB said this product (Honey Teak) is one of the few exceptions<br /><br /> http://www.signaturefinish.com/ <br /><br />Here is the PowerBoat Reports test results:<br /><br /> http://www.boatus.com/reviews/power/articles/5119-1.asp

 

[cc lancer]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

Use your favorite teak cleaner and a stiff scrub brush.<br />On the swim platform start in a corner and put on the cleaner and scrub fast, and rinse that area.<br />Move to a new area, scrub and rinse toward the clean area. You will see something that looks like scum comming up and that good.<br />Do this till you get to the other side, do not let teak cleaner sit on the wood, it can absorb the cleaner.<br />When you have it cleaned to your satisfaction, spray water all over it, that how it will look after you apply the oil.<br />Next day if it is good and dry, pour the teak oil in a cup and brush on. Next day add some more.<br />I usually put four coats on teak that I clean, and it will last all season in saltwater.<br /><br />I prefer Amazon Teak Oil, I have been told that it contains more of the teak nut and no kerosene like other brands. If you varnish a swim platform someone will get hurt, and as JB said it will not last.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

I've used spar varnish on teak, and you get a nice bright finish with it. But oiling, although it needs to be done more frequently, is definitely a lot less work! Also, you can simply leave it natural if you don't mind grey wood. It won't do the teak any harm.

 

[aldwill49]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

Ok, I will check out the references and go with the cleaner and oil. <br /><br />So Teak wood natually turns this gray that I am seeing? I was afraid it was going to rot if I did not get it sealed prior to putting it back in the water this year. I only plan to use this for fresh water. But wanted to make sure the wood was protected. <br /><br />Should I consider replacing the mounting harware that is old? What works best brass or Stainless. Would not thing galvanized or steel would do.<br /><br />Thanks for all the advise and help. <br />Al Williams

 

[cc lancer]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

Stainless is the only way to go, any other type of hardware will look bad in a year or so.<br /><br />After you clean and oil the teak you will be proud of the way it looks.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

What I found that works best is the two part cleaners. I use to use Teka. It makes a mess but works great. Wear rubber gloves. <br />Then lighten it with bleach.<br />The cleaners can raise the grain and that will require sanding. <br />Then I used Tip Top Teak oil for the finish. <br />The results were great looking teak.<br />After moving from Long Island to sunny Florida, I discovered that the sealers did not hold up in the sun so I no longer go to all that trouble.<br />Now all I do is scrub the teak with a bleach/soap mix in the beginning of the season and leave it la natural.

 

[jcal346]

Re: refinishing Teak trim and platform

The condition of the teak really determines what path you will want to follow. When I detail boats, I use a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. With a 3m scrub pad, I work the solution over the teak. Careful with the 3m pad around the gelcoat, but the ammonia, won't hurt it. Wear gloves to protect your hands. This will bring out the build up that making the teak dull. I will work it this way until the solution is coming out slightly brown. You could keep going, but I have never reached the point where it comes clear. After I am done with the 50/50, I pour a 10 part water/1 part muratic acid over the teak. Let it sit, and then rinse. This method does not raise the grain of the teak like a brush does, and leaves it looking new. Your environment will determine frequency of cleaning. This is an old school method, and holds up great in the Florida sun. Good luck!!