T&T: SEMCO teak sealer

[Allen Ames]

I used SEMCO professionally when I was the service manager for a large boat
dealer and broker. It gives the APPROXIMATE appearance of clean unfinished
teak with very little work.   It was fast and easy and lasted a lot longer
than the other oils and variations.  The pigmented versions lasted longer,
probably because of their UV shielding.  The original has a definite orange
pigment which fades fairly quickly. It still has to be "renewed" two or
three times a season in order to keep looking good.

 

We switched to SIKKENS CETOL both because it lasted longer and gave the
APPROXIMATE appearance of varnish with FAR less preparation and maintenance.
An initial application of 3 coats (no prep between coats) and one refresher
a year works in most places.  The pigment helps to protect the wood under it
from sun bleaching. It also is much easier than varnish to restore if you
let it go.  Normal maintenance is to scrub lightly with soap and water and a
Scotchbrite pad.  By the way, the fastest and easiest initial preparation is
to SAND the teak with 80 grit paper (finer makes no sense unless you're
going to varnish).  Use a block.  This way you will avoid getting the nooks
and crannies which come from the wearing away of the softer parts of the
grain.  If you MUST clean it, scrub ACROSS the grain, not with it.  I also
used CETOL or ARMADA on my own sailboats for over 10 years.  ARMADA is
virtually identical, but it has a more pleasing color to some people.  I
used it when I could find it.  

 

Now that we have a Camano Trawler, the teak problem is solved forever -
there is no teak outdoors!

 

[DISCLAIMER: I have no financial relationship with any of the above products
except as a paying customer.]

 

Allen Ames

SESAME, at anchor in Spa Creek, Annapolis, MD

blog:  <http://camano130.blogspot.com/> http://camano130.blogspot.com/