[SUD-Z]

I have ALOT of teak to varnish. I have done the prep work of sanding all the old varnish off, downn to 220 grit. I have narrowed down the search to Bristol finish or Honey Teak.
The maintenance between seasons is my concern. I've spent the time to do it right the first time, and want the product that will be the easiest to maintain. I don't care how much work is involved to apply it the first time. I don't want to have to strip and start over EVER again! Does anyone have real experience with either of these say 5 years or more after initial application?

 

[Capt. Scott]

I'm no expert on the Marine 2-part epoxy finishes but I hear the ticket is 3 or so coats of clear awlgrip (or equivalent) then several coats of UV resistant varnish.

Keep checking the internet...I'm sure you'll find this system recommended by many.

 

[LaceyMarine]

Bristol Finish is amazing. I have seen it done and the final product and it is better then anything I have seen. It also does last many years compared to Cetol and other varnishes. Interlux also makes a Perfection Varnish which is very good as well.

 

[SUD-Z]

Bristol Finish is amazing. I have seen it done and the final product and it is better then anything I have seen. It also does last many years compared to Cetol and other varnishes. Interlux also makes a Perfection Varnish which is very good as well.

It was your advise that brought my attention to Bristol finish. Just trying to make sure before I pull the trigger. If I decide to go with Bristol, you'll be sure to know!:thumbsup:

 

[aj bruno]

I use the bristol on the 13 whaler project... wood has been sitting inside for a few years... looks nice... curious to see how it holds up to the weather...

 

[joshB]

I've tried them all....

Epoxy. oil ,.Deks olje. There is no "bullet proof" finish, for wood on a boat. I use Man O war varnish, and do it every year. Been at it ,since my grandpa handed me a brush in 67! I just live with it. Let me know if you find the "perfect" finish.

 

[Retainer]

I heard the Sikkens product is good, although I have not used it yet. I am considering it on my 78 Robalo. It is a 2 step formula, first part stain, second part protective finish, I think polyurethane. If the wood is subject to nicks or damage, the problem is water can get under the finish. I have teak coverboards, so I may not use it, and may just continue with the standard Teka A-B and oil. Teak is a labor of love.

 

[joe2897]

I heard the Sikkens product is good, although I have not used it yet. I am considering it on my 78 Robalo. It is a 2 step formula, first part stain, second part protective finish, I think polyurethane. If the wood is subject to nicks or damage, the problem is water can get under the finish. I have teak coverboards, so I may not use it, and may just continue with the standard Teka A-B and oil. Teak is a labor of love.

Therapy ........... Cardinal Joe :thumbsup:

 

[lonesurfer]

I am currently building a teak helm pod and We put 3 coats of epoxy on it so far then going to start laying varnish on. Its the joy of having teak being able to take care of it. If maintained properly it looks better than any other boat in the marina.

 

[SUD-Z]

I understand the labor part, believe me. I'm just looking for a product that every couple of years( I hope) just needs sanded with say 220 and a fresh coat applied. (if that exists) If I have to sand all of it off every year, why put 6-8 coats on to start with? I know regardless, it won't be a once and done thing.

 

[LaceyMarine]

Deks Olje went out of business.

 

[Dunk]

I heard the Sikkens product is good, although I have not used it yet. I am considering it on my 78 Robalo. It is a 2 step formula, first part stain, second part protective finish, I think polyurethane. If the wood is subject to nicks or damage, the problem is water can get under the finish. I have teak coverboards, so I may not use it, and may just continue with the standard Teka A-B and oil. Teak is a labor of love.

DON'T DO IT... Sikkens is sick looking and even worse when it quits... The guys in FL rave about Honey Teak...

I'f you are set on Sikkens I'll give you a can I have here I never opened.. Satin/light.... The Key Hopper has no teak, but I was going to use it on the 17 Mako..

The second best look you'll ever get on teak is with TipTop Teak oil, but it only lasts about 3 weeks in the sun. The best look is clean teak wet with water..

Teka is the best cleaner..

Scubbing teak wears it. It brings the grain up. Unless it's sanded smooth nothing will work very long. The tops of the high ridges of the grain will wear off whatever you put on it.

Thank god Decks Olje went away. That stuff was just a mess when it quit..

Teak is work if you want it to look it's best.

Some docks in FL you can be shot for using Epoxy on teak...

Just some teak facts and be glad you don't own some of those older Egg Harbors with complete teak cockpits..

 

[lonesurfer]

Dunk Those Florida guys need to get over it cause my teak looks sharp with epoxy. I have a lighter grain teak. I know the epoxy makes teak get darker but mine should be fine since its lighter. The sun will never go through the epoxy just make it darker and just varnish over it protecting the teak.

This is what a 2 coats of epoxy over teak looks like then I will varnish it.

 

[Dunk]

Of course it looks great, but good/real teak will shed/blow off any coating put on it. Teak is a very oily wood, always fighting to come to the surface. You might dry it's surface and coat it with epoxy, but the epoxy can't soak into it like cheap plywood that will hold it forever.

As I said the best looking teak is smooth sanded teak wet with saltwater. Not teak you see thru layers of sealing coatings with a shine on it.. Teak should never shine.. But beauty is definitely in the eyes of beholder..

Now yes, that's the way Mahogany looks best...

When I see Teak done like that on boats I survey I always mention the work involved to keep it that way.. Not to mention the work to get it back to the way it should be..

 

[lonesurfer]

Dunk I would not say teak isn't meant to shine. I have never seen a helm pod that did not have a gloss finish. I love the look of oiled teak too but some things are meant to be shiny for the wow factor unlike teak covering boards. Its the one thing I don't mind varnishing because it gets so many great remarks and its right where the eyes focus to. Rybovich owners like varnished teak and they also get a captain to take care of the teak so it comes with a price tag. Its a labor of love but it is all in the eye of the beholder which the billionaires that buy the custom rybovichs and merrits enjoy their teak varnished.

It is all a matter of what you think looks pretty on a boat. I know that when I see a boat with a varnished teak toe rail I say wow unlike painted fiberglass.

 

[Retainer]

Thanks Dunk, I will forget the Sikkens.

 

[bobahrendt]

Bristol Finish has worked great for me, lightly sand every few years and put on another coat looks like new

 

[SUD-Z]

Bristol Finish has worked great for me, lightly sand every few years and put on another coat looks like new

Thank you. That is what I needed to hear.