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Post by spiritrunner on May 12, 2008 13:59:06 GMT -5
The Hunter 28.5 that I've recently bought is beyond needing some maintenance with bright work on the exterior. I've bought replacement loop handles for the cabin top and I'll soon be replacing the companionway panels as well.
The replacement handles came in as just bare teak wood. Can anyone tell me what stain and protectants I need to buy?
I need to clean up some of the teak in the cabin as well. It's looking pretty dark. I'd appreciate any advice to brighten up the teak to its original glory.
Thanks!
Jason
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Post by David Luckenbach on May 12, 2008 15:08:38 GMT -5
There are basically two ways to care for teak in the sun.
1. Varnish
2. Oil
I have heard of those who just drench their teak in salthingyer, I wonder about that one, but it may be the best.
Varnish. There are lot's of varnishes and "paint like" coatings, and the good ones do a good job. Basically, you put a coating over the wood, that seals it from the atmosphere and sunlight, and it looks good too. When the varnish starts to degrade, you sand it a bit and put on another coat.
Oil. We use Tung oil, it is VERY good stuff. I buy it at Ace Hardware for $5 for 1/2 pint. I love tung oil, because the wood feels good in my hand when I'm done, you can make the tiller feel just right. In the past, I would varnish, or polyurethane, but I just use tung oil now. Sometimes I don't do anything to the wood except sand off the loose varnish, and put the tung oil on. The wood absorbs it, I put more on, and when the wood stays a bit sticky I stop. I keep a bottle of tung oil on hand, and if the wood stops being just a bit sticky, I know I can put on a little more.
Both ways have their advantages. Varnish or polyurethane looks prettier, just tung oil feels better when done right, and they have different "clean up" requirements. While I'm sold on tung oil, you may prefer a varnish.
David
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Post by spiritrunner on May 22, 2008 16:23:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip! I don't have a tiller to worry about and the handles and companion way panels are not handled on an ongoing basis, so I'll probably go for a varnish.
Jason
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