Teak is a common material used in boats and yachts. It is a popular choice because it is strong, durable, and has many properties that make it an ideal material for shipbuilding. Teak is high in natural oils which make it resistant to rotting, warping, moisture, and pest damage.
While teak is low maintenance and can last for many years, it does age and its honey golden coloring can turn into a silvery-grey patina over time. You can restore the teak back to its original coloring by refinishing it.
Knowing how to refinish teak on a boat can prolong its lifespan and prevent it from cracking and warping. To refinish teak on a boat, you need to clean, sand, and apply a wood finisher to it. This restoration does not take long and can be done in a couple of days.
If you have weathered teak on your boat, this article will talk about how to refinish teak. We will also be talking about how to maintain teak on a boat to keep it looking beautiful and elegant.
Durability And Versatility Of Teak
Teak trees are native to South and Southeast Asian countries however, teak wood is used globally. Teak is an extremely versatile wood and it can be used in any woodworking project as it is strong and durable. Teak wood on a boat can also last for at least 20 years if cared for properly.
Aside from being used on boats, such as boat deckings, teak is also used as a material for indoor and outdoor furniture. Teak decking is popular in boats and yachts as it offers a non-slip surface which is ideal when you are on the water most of the time.
Teak wood has a golden honey-brown color that turns into a beautiful silver patina over time. While most boaters prefer teak’s natural coloring, there are some who like the look of more weathered-grey teak on their boats.
If you find your teak decking or other teak boat pieces, like an exterior teak surface, looking grey and wanted to return them back to their natural coloring, you can definitely refinish teak on a boat.
How To Refinish Teak On A Boat
Restoring teak wood back to its original coloring is possible and achievable as long as you have the right materials and are doing the restoration correctly. While teak can last for a long time with minimal maintenance, it is always best to care for the teak on a boat regularly to make it last longer.
Here is how to refinish teak on a boat:
Assess The Condition Of Teak
Knowing the condition of the teak on your boat is the first thing you need to do. Doing so will give you an action plan on how to go about refinishing the teak on your boat.
If the teak is in a very bad condition and is damaged, you might have to replace the wood completely. However, if the teak’s condition is not badly weathered and damaged, you can refinish it. Once you have assessed the teak’s condition, you will also be able to gather the correct materials needed to refinish the teak on a boat.
Gather The Materials Needed to Refinish Teak
To refinish the teak on your boat, you need to gather several things.
First, you need cleaning gloves as you will be handling chemicals from the cleaning solution you will use to clean and coat the teak. Using cleaning gloves can also prevent any allergic reactions from the teak wood restoration process.
You will also need a common powdered soap to clean your teak decking or other teak pieces on your boat. A regular laundry soap will do and the amount you need will depend on how big your teak decking is. It will also depend if you will be cleaning other teak pieces on your boat. You will also be needing a scrub to clean your boat, especially if there is dirt and mildew that is needed to be removed.
One-part and two-part teak wood cleaners are also needed in refinishing the teak wood. These are cleaning solutions that are specifically made for teak wood.
Other materials that you will need are 120-grit sandpaper, a high-speed sander, or a belt sander. You will also need teak wood oil and a varnish applicator. You will also be needing a foam brush to apply the coating or varnish as well as another broom or brush to remove the residue from sanding the teak.
To summarize, you will need:
– Cleaning gloves
– common powdered soap
– Scrub
– One-part and two-part teak wood cleaner
– 120-grit sandpaper, belt sander, or high-speed sander
– Teak oil or high-gloss varnish
– Foam brush
– Broom or regular brush
Clean And Refinish Teak
Once you have gathered the materials needed, it is time to start the restoration process.
1. Clean the teak deck using regular powdered soap and water. Scrub the decking to remove any dirt and mildew and make sure to clean it thoroughly.
2. Use the one-part teak wood cleaner on the teak wood. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your teak wood. You may need to mix it with water but it will still depend on the instructions. Use a brush and scrub the cleaner on the teak wood then rinse with fresh water.
3. Use a two-part teak wood cleaner if there are discolorations that did not go away when cleaned with a one-part teak wood cleaner. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fully remove any discolored areas. Use a brush and scrub the cleaner on the teak wood then rinse with fresh water.
4. Once you have cleaned your teak decking with teak wood cleaner, let it dry completely.
5. Once completely dried, sand the teak to level the wood. You can use 120-grit sandpaper, a belt sander, or a high-speed sander. If your teak is weathered, you will definitely need to sand it. After sanding, use a broom or a brush to remove any dust and residue from sanding the teak.
6. Once the teak is clean, coat the teak wood with teak oil or a high-gloss varnish using a foam brush or varnish applicator. Make sure that the coating that you will choose will not change the coloring of your teak. In some cases, some varnish can blacken the teak wood. Make sure to also read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying your desired teak coat on the teak wood. Teak oils typically last around 3 to 5 years so you have to maintain teak wood regularly.
7. Let the coating dry completely before applying a second coat. You can apply another layer but make sure that the coating is dry before doing so.
Maintaining Your Teak
To prevent badly weathered teak on your boat, you have to maintain it regularly. Scrubbing your teak decking using a soft brush with fresh or saltwater is recommended. Cleaning the teak on your boat once or twice a year with a teak cleaner can also prevent the teak from being damaged. Teak wood outdoors is always exposed to dirt and other elements so when you are not using your boat, make sure to cover it to protect it from harsh outdoor conditions. Repairing any damaged wood immediately will also preserve the lifespan of the teak.
Final Thoughts
Unless you like the look of weathered teak, you can definitely restore teak wood back to its original coloring. All you need is to clean it with teak cleaners, sand the wood, and apply a coat or two of wood finish.
We hope this article helped you in knowing how to refinish teak on a boat. Next time you clean your teak decking, you already know what to do! If you have any other questions, let us know!
