Teak Restoration

[CTsalt12]

So after reading about all the different solutions for Teak, I'm left as clueless as I was when I started...Too many options and information.

What is the  best  method to restore the shine of teak and protect it from the weather / saltwater?  Paint is not an option, I'm one of the rare few who want to keep the original shade of the teak.   I've created a poll so I can get a good view of what you think. If I didn't list your personal choice, say it!

[dburr]

2:1 mix of boiled linseed oil and Epifanes teak oil sealer, wet sanded on first with 180 then 220. Keep adding the mix to keep the slurry thin, you don't want to make putty as you sand the piece.  The idea is to not make sawdust paste but to wet sand the mix into the wood..  When the piece is covered, wipe off the excess and let dry.  This will seal the grain and make a good base for Epifanes clear varnish to adhere to.  The linseed oil and teak oil sealer crystallize within the structure of the wood grain and when the sun hits it through the varnish the finish is really something.. Only draw back is the time it takes to apply 6 coats of varnish...

Even though this is a formula for teak, this is what happens when applied over mahogany, this was season #2 on this fiinish with no thouch up.

[RickK]

Very nice.

[Capt. Bob]

I'm one of the rare few who want to keep the original shade of the teak.

I'm not sure why you consider yourself rare.
Most people who like teak on their craft, love the look. They are often though, put off with the work required to maintain that look so....
They go to great steps as illustrated above. Absolutely beautiful work  and a fair amount of it to reach that level.

Since you stated that "painting" is out, I'll assume that you are like many of us who want to minimize work and enjoy the look with light care. IMHO, teak looks best when properly cleaned and oiled. That's it. In Florida, that means the look last about 20 minutes so...

Years ago, I bought a product at a kiosk at the Miami Boat Show and it works well. It shouldn't, by the way it looks but it has. It fits my style of teak treatment and care which is; less is more.

I clean the teak with (gasp :o ) Star brite cleaner and brightener. Squirt it on and brush it off. Let dry and apply Teak Guard, 3 coats.That's it.
If an area starts to darken (think mold) I just rub with a brush (think clean) and reapply in that spot. No sanding, no pealing, no massive amount of prep and work. I'm not knocking the members that do, it's just that, I'm/me/myself/I very lazy and don't want to spend the time. This stuff works. You can try it without doing a whole lot of prep and if it doesn't do what you want, you can always go the route you stated you didn't want to go.

Strictly an opinion from a lazy bastard not seeking the admiration of the teak lovers world.

EDIT:
Here are a couple of pics of the product. I was selling these pieces off my CCP. It had just over a year of uncovered exposure in my backyard. Held up pretty well. Teak is factory circa 1984. Very rough. Typical CCP stuff from that era.

[DOCREED]

I have good luck with the sikkens product.

[CTsalt12]

Thanks for the advice guys...I have to say I'm a little dissapointed at only 5 responses to the poll and 3 opinions in the thread..

Dburr, your mahogany looks beautiful...

[aquaaggie]

Sorry dude, I'd have an opinion but I'm waiting to see the results of your poll before finishing my teak! Just got done sanding it, and I'm 95% sure I'll go with teak oil (but I haven't had years of maintenance to piss me off yet). Call me a traditionalist, but natural is the way that I'm headed.

[dburr]

Thanks Jimbo, the process is therapeutic for me be I have a panic attack when the dog jumps in the boat    :!:

[dburr]

Oh yeah, I forgot... With about 6 months of ice, I pull all the trim out of the Whaler and have plenty of time to work on it over the winter in a nice warm shop....

The Osprey may get Lewis and Capt Bob's Teak Guard treatment this year.  No I am not selling out as a traditionalist, just thinking of trying something new   I can always varnish next winter

[slvrlng]

Sorry dude, I'd have an opinion but I'm waiting to see the results of your poll before finishing my teak! Just got done sanding it, and I'm 95% sure I'll go with teak oil (but I haven't had years of maintenance to piss me off yet). Call me a traditionalist, but natural is the way that I'm headed.

I had the same attitude last year! Yes oiling looks great but after redoing it 4 times in 1 year I gave up. If you need any oil I have plenty left!

After only 2 months with oil!



Same rodholder after wetsanding, its still damp.



Teak steps after wetsanding and drying. The one on the right is raw teak the one on the left has one coat of Teak Guard. I had already refinished these but I redid them after talking to the company. The dark areas on the one on the right are low spots I failed to get all of it off.

 

I have put 3 more coats on and I will post what they look like now later today.