Finish for Teak Swim Platform

[promax]

I am in the middle of sanding the varnish from my swim platform It was peeling So.....my choices leave bare, teak oil, or varnish I do my other wood work with ceatol but do not feel as it was last long when dipped in water What to do?

[S&S]

If you don't mind keeping up with it, I'd suggest oil for this application.

[zeehag]

the finish you want is essentially bare wood--but the best way to treat that bare wood is clean it with sea water and a 3m scrubbie pad then oil it--will be slickery--that is not wanted---you want the natural nonskid qualities treak offers to those who do not varnish it or cetol it or in anyway interfere with this nonskid characteristic..the oil will soak into the wood and make a nice brown wood with intrinsic nonskid....have fun--isnt difficult to do ...

[cdennyb]

oil it, over and over and over...

[promax]

So I am thinking OIL plus I already have a bottle. How long will oil take to soak in so as not to cause footprints in my boat?

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by promax

So I am thinking OIL plus I already have a bottle. How long will oil take to soak in so as not to cause footprints in my boat?

mine took about a day--i use boat towels also---if i have to use that way in and out i will use a boat towel to prevent spotting and footprints...and the oil will last the better part of a year--will fade andlook worn--is a good thing--donot want the swim step slickery--but will bead fresh water for longer than 8 months...lol mine beaded this time for 12

[holomoku]

A question for those who have done it...................

What type of oils work well on teak?

[zeehag]

teak oil and tung oil do ....for very short term i have used orange oil-lol----

[Kindle]

I recently tried "Teak Guard" product on my exterior teak. It was extremely easy to use (like painting with water easy). It leaves an "oiled" look and is not slippery like a varnish would be on a swim platform. I have recieved many compliments on it so far. Usually, I am a traditional 10 coats of varnish to a mirror finish person-but we are trying to get this boat ready to go and I wanted (needed) a quicker and less-maintenance option. It is supposed to last a year--but I can't confim that yet! Good luck with what ever product you choose!

[JimM]

And then, in a year, will you simply add more teak guard?

[Kindle]

Actually, since I live in Florida I do not really expect it to last a year here and I believe that maintenance is the key for any teak product. Since it is so easy to apply (dries in 10 min and multiple coats can be applied in one day), I am planning on putting on 2 fresh coats every six months. But again--this is a new product for me. I will see.

[James S]

I'd leave it raw wood.