Can't delay in posting my new favorite teak oil for the cabin. Since my ownership of Aeolus back in 2006, I have taken the advice of Don Casey and used lemon oil to treat my interior teak. I think the only brand I saw and have used since then was Formby Lemon Oil. It was available at ACE and other local places and seemed to do a good job. It smelled like lemon, and wiped dirt off of things, and was purported to restore oil in the wood.
Over time however, I have found that my interior teak has looked increasingly dry and parched. I understand that teak has natural oils, but it still needs to be cleaned and I thought lemon oil was the way to go, again trusting Don Casey.
Eager to find a solution to my interior teak looking dry and parched, I shopped around and decided to try the Weiman brand of lemon oil. Wow. I have now treated most of the interior teak and it has absolutely come to life. Unlike the Formby, it is not acting as a solvent and stripping away the oils. It contains oils that really sink into the wood and bring out the most beautiful natural color. The whole boat interior has been restored to this incredible oiled teak look and my entire family has remarked on the difference. Unlike the Formby, which seemed to wet the wood with whatever oils/solvents it uses and then evaporated off to leave drier wood behind, the Weiman persists in providing the deep glow.
Pictures wouldn't do it justice.
The Weiman does not seem to leave any noticeable residue, and you can brush against it with clothing or wipe your hand across it after it has soaked in and the surfaces are dry. There is not residue when you take a finger nail across it either.
I seem to have found my solution to having interior teak that is both clean and glows with that great teak beauty, without heavy oils that leave residue. And no, for pete's sake, I don't work for anyone related to anyone who makes furniture polishes!! This is just my experience.
5 comments:
Picked up a bottle of Weimans on sale for $4 at our local Canadian Tire store. Gotta love a bargain! What a difference it made to the inside teak and venneer of Knotty Lady!! Certainly beats the teak oil I was using before. Thanks for the great tip Brian. The interior has taken on that rich warm feel again.
So glad it worked for you too and glad you found such a deal! It really is amazing the difference it made on Aeolus. Now I regret not having made the switch years earlier, but we live and learn.
One of the amazing things about a Gulf 32 is how much Teak is present inside. I keep finding new places to treat that look all dry and parched. Now the nooks and crannies are taking on the same warm rich look of the major surfaces.
Brian,
I just bought a 1986 Gulf 32 Pilothouse and was eager to learn more about these amazing boats. Once I found your blogs I saw the post about Weiman's Lemon Oil. I am very particular about the condition of my boats and was very anxious to restore the teak inside "Endless Summer". There were many unsightly bleached streaks under the Pilothouse windows (ports) from water leakage and condensation over time. I was afraid that they were not restorable and I would have to paint the teak to cover them. Everyone said they weren't restorable but upon your advice I cleaned the teak panels, lightly sanded in some cases ant used acid in some cases to bleach the wood. Then I applied Weimans Lemon oil and miracle of miracles the teak was restored!!! I never thought it was possible but wow what a difference!! I now have been telling everyone about this miracle oil !! It is the snake oil for teak!! I would post pictures of the before and after if I could figure out how to do it. If you want email pictures just let me know. I am anxious to read on and gain more valuable tips for my Gulf! Thanks,
Jeff
Hey Jeff,
Congratulations and great news on your teak progress. Sounds like you have had a very similar experience to mine. I was nervous at first because of the cost and hassle of replacing the teak, but it has come out looking great. Not perfect, but great.
Where do you sail?
Strong winds and rough seas...
Brian
Hey Brian,
We sail mostly on the southern chesapeake Bay Area. Spectacular sailing and lots of cruising options. We are working towards our goal of spending the winters on our boat in the caribbean....one day. I have been reading about your adventures - it definitely looks like you are having fun on your boat. I would love to get tips and secrets from you about some of your projects. I need to replace my portlights (already spoke to Mark Plastics) and have several pvc plastic below waterline gate valves to replace with bronze. So far we are thrilled with our Gulf but don't have much sailtime on her since we just bought her. I would love to know more about how they sail and what kinds of conditions you have excperienced. I'm happy to give you my email if you want to communicate that way. Jeff
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