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Finishing a teak cockpit table

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by rpontual, Apr 6, 2018.

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  1. rpontual, Apr 6, 2018
    #1
    rpontual

    rpontual Member

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    I have a Bavaria R40, the boat has a new teak cockpit table that is untreated. So far I have taken the approach of not treating the teak as normally done in exterior teak floors.

    The issue of not treating is that the table gets marks from almost anything. A water drop leaves a mark and so does a cocktail glass. If this is a downside, the marks disappear with a brush and water.

    I am wondering if I should take a different approach and apply some sort of varnish. I would not consider varnish for the teak floor but for the table might be an interesting option.

    Please comment and make suggestions! I am looking for guidance from you who have experience with teak table.
  2. Capt J, Apr 6, 2018
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Have it clear coated
  3. Fishtigua, Apr 7, 2018
    #3
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    You could apply a 2-pack polyurethane varnish for hardness and then a single clear varnish over that, as single has better UV protection and easy to reapply yearly.
  4. captholli, Apr 7, 2018
    #4
    captholli

    captholli Senior Member

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    Two part "Crystal Clear" epoxy resin or "Total Boat" clear epoxy resin are made for this purpose. You can purchase a gallon kit @ Amazon or a good marine store like West Marine for under $80.00 . Read reviews first and compare the UV inhibitors for exterior use. These products are made for use in direct sunlight but getting the highest UV additives for protection is the priority. Very easy to use with professional results. One pour and squeegee of epoxy resin equals 60 coats of spar varnish. This base system will last for 6-8 years before having to wet sand with 800 grit and then buff out. If you prefer further protection than apply two spray coats of high solids linier urethane such as the Alex Seal or Awl Grip offerings. The epoxy clear base is a perfect undercoat for this process.
  5. Pascal, Apr 7, 2018
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I ve never understood why manufacturer delivers boats with untreated teak tables. It doesnt work.... teak deck? Yes, natural but teak tables? Forget it. Every cold drink will leave its mark. Great in england or brittany where you dont need ice in your drink /)
  6. rpontual, Apr 8, 2018
    #6
    rpontual

    rpontual Member

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    This is helpful, thank you all!
  7. kiffa, Apr 9, 2018
    #7
    kiffa

    kiffa New Member

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    I hope i can sidetrack a bit, what would be the best way to treat the toe-rail around the bow of a boat, would using captholli method also be good for this application?
  8. captholli, Apr 9, 2018
    #8
    captholli

    captholli Senior Member

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    No, Clear epoxy wouldn't apply to a fixed toe rail, Toe rails take a lot of abuse and would be better off oiled or sealed with several coats of spar varnish applied.
  9. Capt J, Apr 9, 2018
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The Awlwood from Awlgrip is a very good product for that as well and durable.
  10. kiffa, Apr 10, 2018
    #10
    kiffa

    kiffa New Member

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    Thank you for the advice,

    Chris
  11. Bill106, Apr 10, 2018
    #11
    Bill106

    Bill106 Senior Member

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    I have to disagree with captholli, I know for a fact virtually every custom sportfish boat with a real teak toe rail is epoxy coated and topped with LPU clear for UV protection.
  12. captholli, Apr 11, 2018
    #12
    captholli

    captholli Senior Member

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    Bill, your correct in your statement for custom S/F rails. I recommended a product that's a self leveling epoxy pour for a table and a product such as this wouldn't be applicable for a fixed toe rail. Your speaking of a epoxy wipe and clear coat . An epoxy wipe to seal the wood grain and to prevent moisture intrusion and act as a base for LR high solids clear have been an industry standard for many years now and serves two purposes stated above. A self leveling pour product wouldn't be applicable for a fixed toe rail and has to be used on a flat, level surface .
  13. Bill106, Apr 11, 2018
    #13
    Bill106

    Bill106 Senior Member

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    I'm sorry captholli, I missed your reference to the self leveling! I have used that on some interior countertops and it does a good job although sometimes it can be tricky to get the boat level :D

    Not to derail but I haven't seen the epoxy wipe method you described used before and will have to give it a try. Most of us buildup multiple coats of epoxy until the surface is fair and flat then topcoat with the LPU's for UV protection, the thinking is the more epoxy the better for damage tolerance and the LPU is just for UV. This toe rail for a little boat got 10 coats of epoxy and about 20 or so of Alexseal UV clear which is the same treatment transoms, cap rails and trim gets. 27858369_1668719366519942_505241573147826177_n (480x640).jpg
  14. Pascal, Dec 3, 2018
    #14
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    just had an outside veneered table refinished by BMI yacht refinishing in FTL. Very impressive work. Perfect finish, quick turn around, reasonable pick up and delivery (in Miami). They even delivered it on a Saturday...

    Also kept me posted with pictures along the way. They also do interior work
  15. Laurent91, Dec 3, 2018
    #15
    Laurent91

    Laurent91 New Member

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    Any picture, Pascal?
  16. Pascal, Dec 3, 2018
    #16
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Here you go AB8D03DD-743D-440E-BF91-8EFB4FF29141.jpeg
  17. Laurent91, Dec 3, 2018
    #17
    Laurent91

    Laurent91 New Member

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    Looks great
  18. Capt Ralph, Dec 3, 2018
    #18
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    That looks great.

    What was the final finish coatings?
  19. Pascal, Dec 4, 2018
    #19
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Epoxy base then Awlcraft 2000
  20. Pascal, Dec 4, 2018
    #20
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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