Cetol on Teak

[Shack]

Anyone out there have good/bad experiences unsing Cetol as a finish for teak? I just used some, and I think I like the look of it. Don't know how long it will last or how it will wear.

[fishboyneil]

I have used cetol extensively on two boats. I switched to the cetol light as the color was far less orange than the original. It will never match the beauty of real varnish but the maintenance is simple. You need to apply at least 3-4 coats to get some abrasion resistance as the finish is rather soft. I do a light sanding annually with a coarse scotch pad and a single coat applicaton. If any spots wear through from impact or abrasion I just spot apply a couple coats sanding in between to fair it in. Hope this helps.

[jmencel]

I'm also a Cetol fan. I use the light colour as well. After 3 or 4 coats, I finish the job with a coat or 2 of cetol gloss. Touch ups are easy. My cabintop grabrails were done this way 2 seasons ago and they still look like they were just done. For best results, strip the teak and wipe with acetone (to get the surface oil out which is a natural part of teak) before applying. I don't bother sanding between coats.

[sailandoar]

I'm not a fan of Cetol but I have never heard anything bad about it except not liking the way it looks. Longevity seems very good.

I am using Armada and like it.

[EagleSailtwo]

I have gone back to teak oil (I put several coats on) for toe rails, bow pulpit, and cabin trunk moldings, the cockpit coaming and companionway hatch and doors, will be varnished.

While the Cetol seems to be somewhat less involving for maintenance, you still will need sand and re coat eventually.

[poopdeckpappy]

Same here, teak oil

[TrueBlue]

To those that use teak oil - did you find that the oil eventually oxidized and blackened the exposed to weather teak?

After a complete stripping, our teak has been protected with Cetol Light for two years now and I'm satisfied to have made to right decision. Varnishing would have involved 10-12 initial coats plus two-three additional coats each year. Four intial coats of Cetol and one annual maintenance coat (after a light Scotch-Brite rub), was all that was needed.

On the other hand, after just one summer & two coats, the Swedish formula ($$$) teak oil I applied to the aft deck folding table, has blackened and is ugly! As easy as it is to apply, I'm considering other options for next year.

[sailingdog]

I'm surprised that Surfesq hasn't commented on Cetol. He doesn't like Cetol at all.

[camaraderie]

Cetol Advantages:
1. Lasts longer than varnish
2. Easy to touch up with no sanding required
Cetol Disadvantages:
1. Doesn't look quite as good as varnish initially
2. Really gets ugly looking over time with multiple coats.

Solution:
Sand teak w/ 200 grit to bare wood as prep.
Do 2 coats of Cetol
Do 2 coats of Cetol gloss...looks wonderful!
Touch up as needed over time with gloss.
Do full gloss re-coat as finish dulls in 6m. - 1yr.
Looks close to varnish and never darkens.

[mikeronie]

Something to think about. Sand all finish off, apply 2 or 3 coats of varnish then cover with 2 to 3 coats of Cetol gloss. I have seen 2 boats done this way it looks great. What you have is the best of both worlds. I am going to do it this winter.
Mike