If you are in (or going to be in)
Mexico, check out the local craftsmen. I used to do my own brightwork, but soon found that the local guy I use does a MUCH better job than I can do for a
price that is little more than what I pay for materials ... and he uses top quality materials (epiphanes, etc).
We have found that generally a nice freshening up of the exterior teak (we don't have a lot) at the start of the season is sufficient. We call ahead and our guy has it all ready when we arrive, which means we get back on the
water with minimum fuss and delay, and we don't have to tiptoe around fresh varnish either.