Love teak? So do we. It’s rare to find a type of wood that’s
as beautiful as teak while remaining durable and strong against the elements of
the marine environment. But teak is meant to look good. If your boat’s teak
looks wrong, it’s time to think about how to treat, maintain, and clean your
teak for more longevity and a better look. Here’s how to treat teak wood on your
boat.
Signs Your Teak Needs
Maintenance
What do we mean by a boat’s teak looking “wrong”? Here are
some signs you need to step in and take care of your teak:
- Excess
staining and debris. The most obvious signs are how “dirty” your teak might
look. Stains, debris, and piling up of other materials should be cleared out to
give the teak a chance to look its best. If you notice a buildup of any “gunk”
in specific crevasses, you’ll want to address these so as to avoid letting them
harden and dry out over time. - Discoloration.
Teak should be bright and lustrous. If it gets too grey or dark, it means that
you have some work to do. If this is the case, consider applying a rinse of
fresh water, followed by Teak Brite®
Brightener. This is a “mid-season” cleaner and protectant, which means it’s
primarily useful for a quick brightening up, and not intended for teak in need
of more serious restoration.
If you notice either of the above, it may be time to take
your teak care to the next level.
Tools For Treating
Teak Wood
Cleaning and maintaining teak isn’t as simple as getting out
a spray bottle and wiping it down. You’ll need special tools designed
specifically for teak maintenance to get the most out of this wood.
Start with a Stainless Steel Scrubber. If you already
have one lying around, great. If you don’t, use our Life Scrub-All. Rather than
damaging your teak, this is perfect for dealing with hardwoods (including teak)
that need more substantial cleaning than simply wiping down. Additionally, this
stainless steel scrubber includes a lifetime guarantee against corrosion and
disintegration.
Next, use a Teak Sealer. After properly cleaning
out your teak with a Stainless Steel Scrubber and using a brightener like Teak
Brite®, it’s a good idea to seal off the teak for long-term protection. The
key here is to let the wood dry first. This will help the oil move into the
natural wood fibers and enhance the overall protective quality of the sealer.
We recommend letting your teak dry out for at least 24 hours before applying
your teak sealer.
Closing Thoughts
Taking care of your teak isn’t just good for how your boat
looks. It will help you spend less when
it comes to boat maintenance in the long run. Follow these steps to treat teak wood on your boat and this
durable wood will reward you with many years of quality performance. Don’t
forget to browse all of our Teak Maintenance Products
to ensure you treat the teak wood on your boat well and have everything you need along the way!
