What's best on Teak Toe Rails and Mahogany?

dogsharks · 09-07-2006, 04:45 PM

I'm very strong on varnish, yes I know it's a maintenance issue but it just looks stunning when it's done right. I've known people who have painted their teak rails and trim polyurethane white, just to avoid the maintenance, and I think that's missing the boat when it comes to yachting. Yachting should suggest the finer things of life, and that includes sparkling brightwork, IMHO.

In any case those who care to refinish their teak, or have it professionally refinished for them, should look at my files on the subject. My varnish job is now 7 years old, and it was good enough to publish in Motor Boating Magazine in the June Issue (Labor of Love) and the photos below show the teak, even on a cloudy day (photos were done on March 31, 2006).

I know there are other products that work well too, and I'm interested if anyone has experience with Bristol Finish?

Regards,
Dogsharks

dogsharks · 09-07-2006, 04:48 PM

I have found something that I do believe looks better on teak than varnish. It may represent considerably more work and trouble than varnish, however, but the rewards would certainly be there too.

Garry Hartshorn · 09-07-2006, 06:04 PM

Nice!

orion · 09-08-2006, 05:45 AM

Best varnish is italian Stoppani used by Riva, Dolvik alo.

CTdave · 09-08-2006, 07:30 AM

I have used Bristol Finish many times. It is easy to use & the quick dry time means you can lay down multiple coats in the time it takes one coat of regular varnish to dry. After I built it up with four or five coats, I let it dry overnight. The next day I lightly sanded it & put down another coat. It looked great after that but decided to do it one more time. The finish product was beautiful! It had a nice golden honey color and it was as smooth as glass. I didn't have to touch it for the next three years when I sold the boat (& it was still looking great). I kept the boat in CT in the summer and Florida in the winter so it was exposed year round. It holds up perfectly!

dogsharks · 09-08-2006, 12:45 PM

Good info, many thanks for the "hands on" experience. I'm thinking of using it on my 38 Chris and also on a mahogany speedboat.

Regards, Dogsharks

Ken Bracewell · 09-09-2006, 08:05 AM

The best UV protection that I have seen yet is Epiphanes mixed with Captain's varnish.
Epiphanes makes a thinner, but we use the Captain's to thin it instead.