What is the best teak protector?

Question

I am debating between Smith & Hawken and Golden Care.

Answer 1

I don't think the brand will  make a great deal of difference.  Ask at a boat yard in your area, and the people who do boat work there will tell you what they think is the best.

Answer 2

Have owned and maintained a boat for 20 years and have not heard of the products you mention.

I do not recommend teak oil for exterior use. It will look good initially, but will soon go bad - I have seen it turn ugly black.

Cetol is likely the best. However, use the new lighter versions, not the original Cetol Marine. After several coats the Cetol Marine will start looking too much like paint.

Varnish is the classic finish, but it is demanding to keep up, and not as "forgiving" during application.

Good Luck

Bill

Answer 3

You'll find everybody has their own personal favorite.  I don't like varnishing, as it will eventually peel, so I use Cetol.  I use three or four coats of the regular Cetol and then three more of the glossy.  Soaks in real well, and looks like varnish when you're done.  No sanding in between coats either.  The wood will look like it's been varnished too.

Mike

Answer 4

Never used either one. Plain old teak oil or most other kinds of rubbing oils work well on teak. Teak is a very oily wood to begin with. It will not hold any kind of varnish more than 2 months in the sun.