Semco on treatment for teak decks

[Trim50]

I just wanted to share with everyone what a wonderful product Semco is for maintaining teak decks. We installed the decks about five years ago now. We didn't discover Semco till just 3 years ago. As such we have wear from over cleaning the teak for the first several years. Since the application of the Semco 3 times now, the teak looks wonderful year round with minimal effort.

We lightly scrub at the begining of each season and apply 2 coats of #3 Honey Tone. I can't say enough good things about this product. Without a doubt the best thing that has happened to teak decks in a long time.

http://www.semcoteakproducts.com/semco_products.htm

[Vasco]

Might work in California but it sure isn't worth much in Florida and the Bahamas.

[Trim50]

Please explain....what happens?

One thing I did note about the product is that it is really sensitive to how it is applied and how well the teak surface is cleaned. There is a huge difference in application with a rag versus application with a brush. The teak needs to be freshly cleaned and totally dry when application takes place. Otherwise it won't last nearly as long.

[Pblais]

Ultra Violet farther south is tougher than any treatment you can use. If it is easy to apply then at least when you have to do it several times a year it won't be so bad. Pictures look pretty nice Does it get hot on the feet with such a dark color? That would be another problem darker pigment means hotter too.

[Trim50]

Well, it IS SoCal after all...not too hot, not too cold...NOT TOO CHEAP.

Never had any problems with deck being too hot. It only looks dark because there was morning dew on the deck making it wet.

[Chuck Baier]

i have to wonder what this does to the non skid ability when the decks are wet and pitching around.

[Pblais]

i have to wonder what this does to the non skid ability when the decks are wet and pitching around.

That part is not a problem. I've not found anything that seems to degrade the non skid asspect of teak. Isuppose you could put something on it that would, but I'm talking about products that claim to be good for teak decks.

[Chuck Baier]

I would think that any treatment that seals the wood has to make the deck slippery by virtue of the fact that the water will simply sit on the top of the wood creating a more lubricated surface.

[Pblais]

With raw teak the water sits on top (I hope). We only have teak decks in the cockpit and bridge deck. Because of all the abuse I use Teaqua on it. It does not deter the traction a bit. Makes it easy to clean up a red wine stain.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Trim50

Please explain....what happens?

It's easy to apply and looks great but lasts less than two months which means you have to keep applying it, which, if you have to keep doing it, turns out to be not that easy. In the final analysis a lot of work for little result. Not something you want to do when you're cruising.

[Trim50]

Semco does not adversely effect non-skid of teak in anyway.

My question to Vasco, was what is it about Florida weather that would change the longevity of the Semco...is it humidity, UV? We have plenty of UV in California, so I'm imagining it would have to be the humidity???

Like I said, we apply it only once a year and it works great. Others at our marina do the same and they get the same results.

[avazquez]

I have been using SEMCO natural for the last year and it doesn't seem to last more than 4 to 5 months in the Caribbean sun. It begins to fade leaving patches of yellowish color. What it does is to protect the wood and all you do is wash it and re-apply. It is not perfect but it is the best teak deck product I have used so far.