Teak finish

[larryeddington]

Okay guys, I now have my bow pulpit in the shop to sand and refinish. It was very difficult getting it off as it was 5200 rd on in places. When I put it on I do not plan on ever removing it again. What is the best finish to use on it? I am thinking Cetol but maybe there is better. If needed will in future recoat in situ rather than remove.

I needed to remove to put an anchor guide roller in the pulpit. Now I have to glass in the spots the 5200 pulled from gel coat. Should I use 4000 or 4200 upon reinstall rather than 5200. Fortunately area damaged does not show.

[bjanakos]

Cetol should be just fine. 5 good coats and you are good to go. Maybe a scuff and 1 coat every year or so depending on your environmental conditions. I have also had good luck with Minwax Helmsman for a more cost effective solution.

I have not had any personal experience with Trojan Pulpits, but if I were bedding anything that I may need to remove at some time, and its above the water line, I would use Butyl, but 4200 or 4000 should also do just fine.

[captainmaniac]

Here are links to my 'wood finishes' gallery:
Wood Finish examples (part 1)
https://www.trojanboats.net/wforum/view ... f=1&t=3206

Wood Finish examples (part 2)
https://www.trojanboats.net/wforum/view ... =1&t=12738

The pulpit is 3 coats Cetol Light, with a couple of coats of Cetol Gloss over top. Original work was done perhaps 6-8 years ago. I think I have touched it up (light sanding and a coat or 2 more gloss) no more than twice since then. Your mileage may vary... I am fresh water and a little more north...

[larryeddington]

Thank guys, I am in fresh water sort of, lake texoma is 15 ppm salt. In covered dock but pulpit will get some sun. It is Cetol then.

Larry

[jimbo36]

I am also a Cetol fan for many years. One very important step before applying your first coat is a wipe down with acetone. Teak has natural oil within. This wipe down removes some of this oil from the top fibers allowing the Cetol to bond with the teak. Always apply Cetol without reducing. Cetol gloss can ONLY be applied over Cetol and becomes your sacrificial coating that can be scuffed with 220 and recoated annually, depending on your location. With UV protection, Cetol is arguably the best way to deal with exterior teak and attracts the most compliments.

[aaronbocknek]

personally, i'm not a fan of covering the teak. i like the weathered look from time to time, and for me, its easy to clean back to the nice tan colour. when i stripped my swim platform three years ago, i sanded it down to new wood, then coated it with 4 coats of basic acitone. yep, acitone. a guy at eastern yachts told me about this trick. the acitone absorbs into the wood and when it evaporates, it pulls the woods oils from the inside out, leaving it with a nice natural and non slip finish. it stayed that way for the season and through the winter. just my thoughts.

[larryeddington]

thanks aaron, I have mine sanded now and will alter for anchor roller, like a bow pulpit is meant to have in my opinion. I will treat with acetone per above suggestion. I really don't care for the gray look so I guess it will be cetol for me. Later on I will remove the swim platform which is painted, probably to reduce its slipperiness. For sure I respect you opinion.

[aaronbocknek]

you will really be amazed at the look once you treat with the acetone. i cannot wait to get my swim platform back in shape.
show some pics too.

[larryeddington]

Debating on taking the swim platform off to refinish, which means someone has to get under it. But may do it on the boat. Do you finish the bottom too, obviously for purposes of preservation or not, no one can see it.

[Big D]

I did the bottom of mine but didn't have to do it as often as the top as it wasn't exposed to direct sunlight/UV all the time. Best to seal it all around IMO