Teak restoration

[Roger Long]

The teak handrails and trim on our boat was heavily varnished and is worn enough that it needs stripping and refinishing. I hate varnishing, at least on fussy areas like trim and handrails that need a lot of masking. Ten coats of varnish in our typical spring weather just isn’t in the cards.

Can the teak be converted back to an oil finish or is there now too much varnish in the grain for it to look right?

Any suggestions on stripping or recommendations on the best oil finish appreciated.

[Dan McCosh]

Shouldn't be impossible to strip and oil. It would, however, still involve problems with masking, etc. Oil lasts from a month to six weeks or so, which deters many who are not interested in this kind of maintenance schedule.

[Granville]

There is always paint. I find exterior bright work highly over rated.

[bischoffboatworks]

I think you will be disappointed in the oil results. Everyone that walks by my boat in the marina comments on the beautiful brightwork and complains about what happened to their oil finish (turns black, needs maintenance, etc).

One alternative many are using is Cetol. You start with coats of their oil product, then coat with their gloss product. It is flexible so seldom fails. Each year put on a coat or two of the gloss stuff and you are done.

And nothing feels better than pride in a beautiful wood boat. Well, almost nothing ;)

[islandteak]

I have been experimenting with a product called 'Fluid Film' which contains lanolin and I've been pleased with the results so far. It is in an aerosol can and quick and easy to apply. It really makes bare teak look far superior to all the 'teak oils' I have tried.
...Ken