Cetol vs cetol light

[Lastmango69]

I am just about to refinish my teak handrails. I am trying to decide what to use has anyone used "cetol light" To what results compared to regularcetol marine. My plan is to use three coats of cetol or cetol light and then top off with cetol gloss any ideas?

[mcain]

I personally don''t like the looks of Cetol. For longevity and ease of application, check reports by Practical Sailor on finishing exterior teak. I personally like Bristol Finish, a two-part finish that is applied in about 6+ coats, one hour apart. It looks very much like a traditional varnish and lasts quite well, even in the Florida sun.
Before commiting to Cetol, do a test on a nice piece of teak. Try Cetol on one half, and a traditional spar varnish on the other. While you would not use the spar varnish for the final coat, it will allow you to see the differences. If you decide you like Cetol, go ahead. Otherwise, research some alternatives. Cetol is a pain to remove once applied.

[Maine Sail]

I just refinished all my teak with Cetol Light and love it. I have had many, many comments on how good my varnish looks???? Some people can''t tell the difference. I used four coats and decided not to go with the gloss overcoat for repair purposes. If I scratch the cetol light I can just patch it and not worry about it not matching. I also had Sunbrella canvas hand rail covers made to make it last. Last year I stripped it all down and applied eight coats of Eppifannes and it was lifting and peeling by November so I switched back to Cetol. On my last boat I got a solid 6 years before I had to completely strip it down to bare wood and re-finish. I suspect that the Light won''t last as long as the regular because the red tint helps block the UV rays. Either way I know it will last longer than regualr varnish with a lot less coats.
-Rodd C.