TEAK QUESTIONS/INPUT

[phester]

I have started the unholy task of redoing all the teak. Doesn't look like there is a lot of it while its all mounted, but , when its all disassembled and spread out on the workbench there is a decent amount. I have sanded everything down to "new" wood and it's very smooth. Every piece is done,just want to hit it one more time w/ 320 grit paper. I am a little undecided on how to finish the job....do I stain and varnish/poly or should I just oil it. I like the look of newly stained wood w/ a satin poly finish but its a little more upkeep to keep it looking nice.....with the oil I "THINK" you can just reapply as needed [sounds easier to me] Any input from the fellas who have done either method,would like to hear what you have to say. thanks

[msbhammer]

Phester,
I to will need to redue all my wood work as well this spring. Never messed with teak myself, but have sanded and stained from time to time. I myself prefer to do it once and be done with it. I plan or sanding, staining and putting on a clear coat that will hopefully that for awhile before having to ever do it again.

[phatdaddy]

phester/hammer, I used a product called Cetol Marine by Sikkens. It is not a varnish, but more like a clear coat. I usually put on 3 coats of the marine and then 3 coats of the gloss. It takes a day to dry between coats. I also have a small whaler with mahogany seats and console that I use it on. It holds up very well. I can usually go 4 or 5 years between applications. I used to varnish, but that usually involved yearly touch ups. I know woods a pain,but I like the look of it on a boat. Boaters World sells product called Armada (I think) that is similar at half the price of Cetol.

[phester]

phat-daddy, thanks for the reply. The TinMan mentioned the Cetol to me just today,though he himself has never used it. You have stated that you put on 3 coats of the "marine" and then 3 coats of the "gloss", what is the "marine" material and I'm going to guess the gloss is more like a clear coat? I was tossin around the idea of doing it all w/ starboard, it is mostly maintenance free ,but the nice dark or medium woods give the boat so much more character and a classic look.

[Mac_Attack]

I used the Sikkens products last year. *Works great! *Look at Fritz's boat, he used the same product. *Bill Mc ;D

http://westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/sto...searchDeptId=4

[phatdaddy]

I guess the marine is a type of stain or penetrating oil that soaks into the wood, The gloss is a protecting coat. I think you can just use the marine for interior applications, but wood exposed to the elements would do better with the gloss. One thing I have noticed is the the finish still feels soft for about 2 weeks, it is dry and not tacky, but you can still dig your thumbnail into the clearcoat. Then it will get hard and resist gouging. I was told you could buy a similar product at a floor refinishing store, but you have to buy gallons. One thing I did learn , if you have any left over, clean the top of the can real good, tap the lid on with a rubber mallet, and store upside down. I keep some for about 3 years and it was still good. Every now and then West will have it on sale for $20 a quart.

[phester]

thanks Phat and MAC for the intel. I was on The Hull Truth this AM, lotsa good info there as well but of course everybody has their own opinion. Most people gave the Cetol the thumbs up as far as the final result and easy to work with. In the same breath you got a guy that swears the best thing to use is tranny fluid [????] Bottom line is that the prep work is the key. Will probably finish the prep today and just wait till next weekend to finish it off. COLD/WINDY here in N.Y., upper 20s w/ WNW 15-30MPH......C'mon spring!!!!!

[msbhammer]

Cold and windy as well in Delaware. High winds and in the 20's. >:(

[CapnBill]

Annapolis (U.S. Naval Academy)
Last Update on Feb 26, 12:54 pm EST
Partly Cloudy
33°F (1°C)
Humidity: 36 %
Wind Speed: NW 18 G 26 MPH
Barometer: 30.23" (1023.7 mb)
Dewpoint: 9°F (-13°C)
Wind Chill: 22°F (-6°C)
Visibility: 10.00 mi.

See www.weather.gov -click on map ofyour local

AS for Teak ... I thought you would never ask!!!

The Special Top- Secret Teak Mix !!!

1/3 Teak Oil - I use Amazon Teaka
1/3 Polyurathne (outdoors)
1/3 Mineral Spirits
Apply (wash it on) with foam brush
at least 3 - 5 applications!!!

REMOVE TEAK FROM BOAT
Wash and clean teak with teak cleaner - your choice
Sand teak as needed - amount of snading is your choice

APPLY AT LEAST 3 - 5 COATS OF TOP-SECRET TEAK MIX and be sure allow am ple dry time between coats - at least several days between coats.
You may want to light sand it with 320 grit after ward - but as for me - after 5 coats - heck - just put it on the boat and be done with it

Put teak on boat - let friend and neighbors admire!
but keep the top-secret teak mix a secret among us V-20ers !

- Bill C

[macojoe]

Great Cbill!! I have a secert mix also!!

1 remove all wood from boat
2 trace and make new copys from Starboard
3 reinstall all pieces
4 trash the wood or sell to someone
5 NEVER worry about it ever again!! ;D