Refinishing Teak

[JoseGaspar]

I've seen a few comments on the board about treating teak.  If I want to refinish, do I sand it down and then apply a teak refinishing product?  I know it seems like a simple fix, but when dealing with a boat and the harsh environment, I want to make sure I do it right.  Anyone with some thoughts on the proper way to restore teak?

250CCP
Thanx,
JG

[Capt. Bob]

Factory Aquasport teak was fairly grainy (rough).
Cleaning with a good quality cleaner, stiff brush and running water is all you really need.

Sanding comes into play if you are looking for a smooth surface (like on furniture).
Add cleaner, brush and flush. Continue until the rinse water is clean. Then allow it to dry completely.

Some hit it with a brightner, others leave it natural, and then treat it with your weapon of choice. There are as many choices as 19-6' owners so you just need to pick one.

Just search back a month or so and you will find a number of members who just finished their teak. Each likes their own stuff but in the end it's your choice. IMHO nothing looks better than Golden Teak Oil but......
It's just constant upkeep and I refuse to sacrifice that time.
I'll plug Teak Guard 'cause that's my choice but again look at the recent postings, each using something different.
It all looks great and provides reduced maintenance. Save the oil for your tan.
Like I always have said, these old boats look really great with their teak trim.
So clean it and treat it. Your boat will love you for it.

Good luck.

[MarshMarlowe196]

There are as many choices as 19-6' owners so you just need to pick one.

No one could ever claim that you weren't consistent Bob.  

[Capt. Bob]

There are as many choices as 19-6' owners so you just need to pick one.

No one could ever claim that you weren't consistent Bob.  

Well in this case I am fairly correct cause there are way more 170 owners here than teak products and a lot less CCPers than same so..... 8)

[MarshMarlowe196]

There are as many choices as 19-6' owners so you just need to pick one.

No one could ever claim that you weren't consistent Bob.  

Well in this case I am fairly correct cause there are way more 170 owners here than teak products and a lot less CCPers than same so..... 8)

Really??  Seems like I see way more CCPers around this board than 19-6 owners... or maybe you guys are just loudmouths; always talking so passionately about lathering up your wood with oil and what-not...  :cyclops:

[Kevin]

Like another responder said, it depends on what you are looking for. I have used everything on various sailboats and power boats. I am in process of refurbishing an 1988 20 ft Osprey  If you want it Smooth and glossy gold I think the best product is "Armada"  It is similar to Sikkens. You have to be sure the teak is clean. I usually use the two part  "Teka"  It is a cleaner and then a brightner. I will then sand it to smooth out the grain.thenwipe it down with denatured alcohol   If you don't get all they grey off when you brush on the Armada, sikeens or varnish  those spots or valley's in your grain will turn black.  The thing I love about Armada is you don't have to sand in between coats and it set's up pretty quickly. You should have at least 3 good coats on for a summer season in New england. I presently have about 5 coats on my hatch doors , rocket launch holders for rods. Then next year you just sand it lightly. I have used it for the last 15 years on my 32 ft antique chris craft that has teak toe rails and I have a full swim platform off the stern.
 Varnish will be glossier but on teak once it starts to break down it peels off and you'll have to strip it all the armada if you have a section that got worn, you can just sand that area and it blends right in.
Good luck
Kevin

[kaptainkoz]

i am sold on cetol sikkens. Goes on easy, coverage is generous, shines like new and wears like iron.

Check out my teak...
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3858

[wingtime]

As mentioned it depends on the look you like the best.  The easiest is to hit it with a teak cleaner, brightner and then oil.  The cleaners tend to "raise" the grain in the wood.  Some people like the varnished look, some like the oiled look.  I like the natural teak look.  The only way to get that is take off all the teak.  Sand it smooth to get the grain even and then put on the sealer of your choice. I use Semco teak sealer.  http://www.semcoteakproducts.com/  it wipes on and leaves a nice natural new wood look.  It seems to hole up well in the FL sun.  It is not a varnish, I think it's more like a Thompson's water sealer since water beads off it.  I just started sanding down some of the teak on my 200XF.  The pieces I worked on tonight look like brand new.