Teak finish

[CliffL]

I've just finished removing a (IMHO) poorly done varnish job on the handrails of my companionway. I now have very beautiful plain teak handrails...a look I love. But, what now? If I don't put something over the wood, it will grey and age (right?) I've read many of the posts here on varnish vs. cetol...with all of the pros and cons.
Have any of you used Deks Ojle? I'm looking for a clean, light-wood look, and not the high gloss look of varnish. I was advised to stay away from oil, as it would darken the wood (an earlier post disputed this saying that the key was using the "correct oil" in the proper amount). Without starting the varnish vs. cetol discussion again...are there other choices I'm missing? Thanks.

[jeffanderson]

In my humble opinion nothing will show the figure and color of Teak like Tung Oil. I know that is does not have the uv protection of other products but you could always mix in another product to compensate. Only problem is you will have to refinish twice a year with Tung Oil. To take some of the shine out make sure to hit with 220 between the first two coats, then 220 and 320 on the last coat.

[camaraderie]

Tung Oil does indeed make the teak look beautiful...but he problem with any oil is that it attracts and holds dirt which makes it unsuitable for exterior use IMHO unless you like a lot of work. Nice for interiors though.

[TrueBlue]

You could always scrub the teak with water and a Scotchbrite pad, after sprinkling on an oxalic acid solution, to retain the blonde natural look you currently enjoy. The problem with this is a reduction of softgrain will occur in the teak from repeated abrasion. The corrosive effects of oxalic acid on aluminum components and dulling of fiberglass finishes is another negative side effect of using acid.

Either accept teak greying, or coat it with a protective sealer. Otherwise, the life of your teak will, unfortunately, be shortened.