Finish for old teak

MattB · 12 Apr 2008

Hi. We have now finished making a number of porthole frames out of the old teak that I was asking questions about a couple of months back. Before the frames are fixed to the cabin sides (using stainless machine screws tapped through the cabin side, and plugged from the inside) we need to decide how best to finish the wood - it would be best to get something onto the backs and edges before fixing up.
So its now choosing what to put on. The teak is waxy to the feel - I think this would be best finished with oil rather than varnish. Will normal varnish stick to oily teak anyway? In prone locations subject to lots of heat changes and moisture (there's lots of cold metal around to condensate) normal varnish will lift in no time I suspect = we would perhaps need to use an epoxy? Oil would be easier to add more of... If oil is considered better, does anyone recommend anything particular type. Has anyone successfully made their own?
Thanks
Matt

Digit · 20 Apr 2008

Idoubt that you'd get varnish to adhere properly at all due to the waxy surface you mention. Linseed oil for me.

Roy.

MattB · 21 Apr 2008

Thanks for the response. In the end we plumped for Rustin's Danish oil as we could get it from a local shop for a good price per litre. If I can work out how to do it, Ill post a picture of a porthole and the teak liner. The teak is 34mm thick.