Teak Refinishing
June 13, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Fiberglass Boat Repair And Sailboat Painting
Marine paints, varnishes and sealants including teak refinishing products are all subject to a range of conditions. Products which work wonders in one region, will not be so convincing elsewhere. Being aware of this means teak deck replacement can be postponed. The conditions around these products are so numerous it is difficult to give finite answers to questions like "What product is best for............?"
In this case there are a couple of contenders with different qualities to suit.
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is represented in most teak maintenance products. It is excellent at preservation, however it does darken the teak as a result. This is due to carbonization from the sun. If the deck is to retain its nature color, then the oil should be scrubbed from the wood twice a year.
If your interested in wood repairs, have peek at DIY Wood Boat
Check out that refinish!
Tung Oil
Has better water resistant qualities than linseed oil. However it is more expensive. Tung oil does not darken the wood, but carbonization does occur. As the darkening is not as prevalent with Tung oil scrubbing back to the natural color, need only be done once a year.
Teak Sealer
A cross between resin / polymer and oil. Sealer demonstrates mixed characteristics. Due to the presence of resin, there is less carbonization and so less darkening. The more advanced products have an anti color pigment within, so stay lighter longer. Annual scrubbing is required should you want to get the natural color back.
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Teak Decks
June 13, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Fiberglass Boat Repair And Sailboat Painting
Teak deck repairs is perceived as difficult, however with a little practice – not so. Decks are sexier than hulls. The hull serves it’s purpose out of sight. Decks on the other hand are on full view. Either in teak or fiberglass.
Teak Deck repairs are made from a variety of materials being teak or caulk, which in itself causes trouble. Hulls are produced with one material and are generally protected by water. Decks are exposed to weather, people, strains, stains and tensions. Not missing the environmental considerations too.
Teak
Teak decking need care. They get covered in grime, rained on, sun damaged and if you live were temperatures vary enough then expansion and contraction occurs. So they need cleaning, re sanding and re caulking as part of your schedule of maintenance.
The active ingredient in teak cleaner is Oxalic acid. It lifts dirt off the wood and brings back the original color. Oxalic acid is the Rolls Royce of teak cleaners. You can get the same effect from your General Motor – aka Ajax!
Having wet the teak deck you need to scrub with your cleaner going with the grain. Scrub thoroughly until the darkness is removed and then rinse off. The dark can also be carbonization. This is the when your ‘finish’ changes color with the sun.
While the deck is still wet
As part of your teak deck repairs: This is a great time to check the black teak deck caulk that runs between the planks. Watch as the surfaces close to the caulk dries. Are there any areas which remain damp?
If the caulking areas do not dry evenly, then action ought to be taken. What has happened is that the sealing quality of the caulk has deteriorated, allowing water underneath – not good!
Beauty and the beast of all maintenance?
Cutting out damp
So taking a razor, cut out the damp section including several inches on either side and gently remove. Make sure all the caulk is gone before continuing. Prime the plank surfaces and follow drying instructions.
Before re caulking mask the planks on either side to prevent mess and frustration later – more deck repair! Mix the caulk up in the proportions indicated on the instructions and put the mixture in caulking tube.
Application
Cut the tip of the tube’s nozzle diagonally for best results. Then apply the mixture starting from the bottom, evenly along the groove. Using the back of the razor rather than the edge, run it over the freshly applied caulk and level off.
Teak decking becomes uneven over time. By gently re sanding those areas that are raised you remove the issue. Once sanded the planks need to be varnished in keeping with the proofing requirements of the deck.
Teak refinishing protects the wood and stops water getting in. Eventually you will have to think about re planking your decking as the planking thins. That’s teak deck repairs!
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