How To - Gray Finish for Teak

[Wasabi]

I've done a search and haven't found anything definitive. I have a teak combing cover and teak door, teak trim. I really like the look of the gray'd look when it is done right. But how do you do it?

The trim, which doesn't get direct sun is going to be different than the swim platform.

How do you create that really nice gray finish and how do you maintain it?

Thanks.

[Wasabi]

Bumpity Bump

[Holy Smoke]

Gray, is what happens when you do nothing to teak other than clean it and let nature take its course.

[Mirage36]

Not sure of the product name or where I've seen it but I do know they make a weathering compound that can be applied to new wood to preserve and give the appearance of uniform weathering. I believe I've seen it in building supply stores. If I can find it again I'll post info so you can contact them for advise on working with teak.

[Wasabi]

Actually Smoke, there are lots better techniques than neglect.

Thanks, Rob. Let me know if you come across something suitable for marine use

[Glenn W]

Clean with suddsy ammonia and a little water--- soft brush that's it. Doesn't get much easier. You can go over lightly when dry with a scotch brite pad if you want to smooth out any raised grain.

[Holy Smoke]

Actually Smoke, there are lots better techniques than neglect.

Damm,, I guess all those years doing the teak on a Swan 42 sailboat to get them the perfect shade of gray I did it wrong.

I did not say anything about neglect I said don't put anything on them.
but hey you asked the question and I have teak covering boards on a few on my boats and spent 7 summers on the Swan keeping it pretty.

[ceteejr]

For the teak on my boat I use "teka" a product from a firm in Ohio. I originally bought my first bottle at a boat show booth. It's pretty expensive $16. for a 16 oz. bottle but it lasts all season & it covers quite a lot with a nice teak color.

As far as a grey color. Natural looks good but you have to watch that it don't turn black.

I just stained my home deck (cca 2X6 lumber) Cape Cod Grey. I used the
Olympic semi-transparent oil stain. Looks great on my outside deck, (I live by the water in NJ) but don't know how it would work on teak. Maybe it would work as it is an oil stain. Only cost $88.00 for a 5 Gallon bucket or about $18.00 a gallon.

[bluewatercandyman]

The best thing for natural teak is salt water... period. Fresh water will dry out the natural oils in the surface and promote mildew(black wood).
Oiled teak??!! Are you serious?? Oil does nothing to protect the wood. All oil does is make a mess and hold water in the teak which turns it black.(Find someone who has oiled there teak for several years and you will understand!) Have you ever noticed that it takes a minimal amount of sanding to restore old severely weathered teak? That is because the wood holds so much natural oil. Why would you think that you need to add any other type of oil?
If your teak is stained/dirty, sudsy ammonia is the best cleaner. TeKa is great if you need industrial strength cleanser... step one is acid, step two is a base to neutralise the acid. It goes without saying that this is a harsh product and should only be used in the most severe circumstanses. It actually dissolves the soft wood in between the grain and leaves you with ridges that would eventually need to be sanded.

Hope this helps!