Posted: 08 Jun 2011 at 9:36pm
Hi All,
I am doing a major clean up of my boat which has been stored out of water for 2 years. The wood (teak?) is in rough shape...I sanded it down and want to put some kind of finish on it...is teak oil a good choice or is polyurathane better? I want the best, longest lasting protection whereby I won't have to refinish it in the near future. Hoping to get it in the water in a few days!
Jack VanZandt
Olympia, WA


Posted: 10 Jun 2011 at 9:52am
Hi Jack

I use traditional varnish on all my exterior teak. It has a UV inhibitor in it, and needs to be refreshed at least annually. I simply like the look of the trad varnish the best, especially when you look at it closely.

Teak Oil is fine, and the teak looks great oiled, but I think you'll find that you will be reapplying it quite often if you want it to stay really pretty.

The other choice is Sikkens Cetol, which is a colorized translucent wood finish that provides a very high UV protection.it will be the longest-lasting, most maintenance-free product, in my opinion. The problem is that it tints the teak a slightly orange color, and has a milky translucent appearance. I really don't like the look of it up close. But some folks swear by Cetol. It's a subjective thing.

Erik Evens
Los Angeles, CA
"Robin Lee", Yankee Dolphin #118


Posted: 14 Jun 2011 at 12:29am
Thanks Erik,
That's the direction I was heading....didn't want to make a career of teak care when I could be sailing. Thanks for your input.
Jack VanZandt
Olympia, WA


Posted: 03 Jul 2011 at 1:45am
I've been using a product called teakqua.

it looks like oiled teak but lasts a full season....super easy to put on.

I love the look of varnish....but not the work.