Teak is a superior wood as it does not split, crack, or warp easily, in addition to the fact that it possess natural non-skid properties due to a high silica count. The wood is very dense, and has lots of natural oils, but with sunshine, spray, and airborne pollutants, it can degrade quickly. Disregarding the wood will quickly turn it to a light, ash gray. This color is desired on some older boats, but the gray dead wood does not have the non-skid properties of well-maintained teak. A full coat of moss on a brick wall may be appealing on a rustic cottage, but it does immediately tell how much work is done.
The megayachts that have immaculate natural (unfinished/untreated) blond teak, are in another class of maintenance, and the average owner operator does not have the patience, time, or money for that finish (but if you desire that, please let us know)! To lower the time commitment required, there are many products out there, such as a oils, varnishes, and synthetic sealers.
Oils do not properly cure and dry in the wood and as a result can make a mess. For example: sitting on oiled teak and having it absorbed by your pants, or tracking oily footprints in on carpet. Oils can drip down gelcoat, leaving a hard to remove stain. These negative properties are true with teak oil, linseed oil, or tung oil. Varnishes are excellent for brightwork, such as handrails, caprails, and trim work (or full cabinsides), as it is a beautiful high-gloss finish. Putting a glossy varnish or lacquer on a deck is like turning it into a slip and slide. Not only is the grain of the wood covered with a smooth gloss, but the caulk as well, giving zero traction, especially when wet.
Our preferred product is the Star Brite Tropical Teak line. These are synthetic products and sealers that behave more like a deck stain than as a oil. They penetrate deeply and cure well. Used correctly, these products can give you a beautiful matte finish, that will not allow dirt or mold to penetrate deep into teak, nor will it allow the wood to gray and turn dark.
Please feel free to call with any specific teak questions, or to discuss your specific needs. Check out a few of our videos on how to care for teak!
