Teak question

[frosh coach]

I have a 88 sea Ray that has the typical wood laminate on the cabin doors with teak trim. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make the maninate look good again?

 

[Capt. Bill1]

303 Protectant, Counter Top Magic, Jubilee Kitchen Wax, 3M Cleaner Wax or 3M Restorer Wax

 

[frosh coach]

capt bill
Your saying that 3m marine cleaner wax will work? What 303 product did you use?

 

[bobalong]

Wood laminate on the doors ? Is this genuine teak wood laminated to another product in order to prevent warping (which is what I think you have) and then teak trim around the perimeter. What do you mean by 'make it look good again' ? My experience was that the indirect UV light and 'pledge' like polishes eventually made it turn very dark. Not sure there is anything you can do. If it hasn't been varnished you might try some teak cleaner in a an inconspicuous spot and see what happens.
Unlike the teak trim which is 100 % teak wood, which can be removed, bleached, sanded or whatever you choose to do to bring it back to it's original color.
Do not try and sand the laminate.
Good Luck.

 

[Capt. Bill1]

While it's not uncommon to have mica insert in door, I guess I should have asked whether you were talking about that style or as Bob mentioned teak veneer.

If it is mica you are talking about, then yes 3M Cleaner Wax can work. Mica is just plastic after all. The 303 product I use is 303 Aerospace Protectant. Not their Fabric Guard of course.

If it's teak veneer your best bet may be to re-veneer it, paint it or put mica over the veneer.

 

[Bob J]

If it is a teak veneer; why can’t it be treated like teak ? I’m not saying take a belt sander to it or any other harsh treatment. If it’s in good shape & just looks somewhat faded & aged; I would clean with 50/50 water & ammonia. Let dry completely and apply teak oil of your choice.
If it’s a Plastic laminate…….ignore above & wash with boat soap; let dry & apply 303 Protectant.

 

[Capt. Bill1]

You're right, it can be treated like teak if it is teak veneer. You just have to be very careful with it as the veneer is very, very thin. So once it gets in bad shape there is not much you can do to it other than cover or replace. It's so thin I would be hesitant to wash it with anything harsh other than as a last resort.

I also would bother with teak oil. I would refinish it with a good one part poly. Much more long lasting and water proof than teak oil.

 

[GrecRI]

I have an 85 SeaRay with what I assume to be the same veneer you have. It was in good shape everywhere exept on the companionway hatch, where it gets a lot of direct sun.

The wood grain was still there, but it was faded quite a bit. I cleaned it well and put a few light coats of Sickens Cetol on it. It darkened up the color, brought out the grain, and gave it that just-varnished finish.