Replies

1. 
   Alan | Jun 08, 2002 11:49pm | #1

   Bryan,

   Why do you want to stop them turning gray?  Most folks want ways to speed up the graying process.

   To keep them from graying I think you will have to put on some sort of film finish that provides heavy duty U.V. protection.  I am sold on good old spar varnish, but lots of folks are partial to poly (personally, I don't like the plastic feel of poly, and polys are still green--though not as bad as they used to be).

   As I'm sure you know teak is a very oily wood, and that has led to horror stories told by those who tried to put some sort of finish on it.  My experience finishing teak is not vast--only various parts of the sailboat I made (spar varnish).  But I'm sure lots of contributors to this board will be able to tell you what you need to do to ensure successful finishing.

   Alan

2. 
   Danford_C_ | Jun 09, 2002 02:58am | #2

   Bryan,

   To answer your question; the best way to protect your Teak is by using a high quality marine grade spar or polyurethane varnish.  I'd recommend either Interlux or Epifanes.

   Interlux's Goldspar 95 is a one part polyurethane, goes on like silk and looks like their traditional spar varnish, Schooner Varnish 96.  Both have UV blockers. 

   Both of Epifanes' Polyurethane Clear and Clear Varnish also have UV blockers.

   Wipe down the pieces with mineral spirits or naptha first, this will give you a good bond be removing the oil on the surface of the Teak.

   I forgot to mention that the above are high gloss finishes.  To get a satin finish, use 600 grit silicon carbide, wet.  For a semi gloss use 1200 grit silicon carbide, wet.

   Dano

   "Form and Function are One" - Frank L. Wright

   
   

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   Edited 6/8/2002 8:00:27 PM ET by Danford C. Jennings

1. 
   gerry001 | Jun 10, 2002 08:54pm | #3

   I'll agree with Dano but note that it will not last forever. In anywhere from 1-4 years, you'll probably have to refinish it to get the brown color back. Also, don't put the varnish on too thick. Even though spar is flexible, you'll still be more likely to get splits if it's too thick, and that'll produce gray spots.

   Even if you used a transparent, teak-colored UV protective finish, it'll still happen, but just take a bit longer.

   Of course, you could just keep them in the shade...

   Gerry