Re: Teak Care
I've heard you can overdo it with epoxy, but personally don't know anyone who has. With any kind of wood encapsulation, three coats has always been the magic number for me. I'm sure five coats will be fine, especially if you have to do any sanding between coats to correct for drips and such. <br /><br />I'm not sure if you're familiar with the mechanical vs. chemical bond with epoxy. If you put on your first coat, and let it set but not completely cure, then you don't have to sand before the next coat of epoxy. That is, if you can press your fingernail into the epoxy and leave an impression of it, then the epoxy is not completely cured. At this point, another coat of epoxy will bond chemically, which is considered slightly stronger than a mechanical bond. I don't believe the difference in strength is enough to cause you problems.<br /><br />If the epoxy is too hard to make a dent in, it's beyond that cure point will have to be sanded. Then it will bond mechanically. Epoxy generally doesn't reach maximum strength for at least three days, but is considered cured if that fingernail test can't leave a mark. Depending on how long you wait between coats with cured epoxy, you should give it a good scrub down with a scotchbrite pad and ammonia/water mix before you start sanding. This will also help keep your sandpaper from clogging with that waxy blush.<br /><br />I've never sanded wood to be coated with grit as fine as 300. My understanding is that you should have some "tooth" for the epoxy to grab onto. 220 or 240 works for me, but everyone is different and I could be wrong about the tooth theory. <br /><br />As for varnish, I've heard of people giving as many as 12 coats! I don't know what the limit is, but with flagship they recommend at least 5 coats, and that works fine for me. I don't enjoy varnishing, so the sooner it's finished the better. But, geez I do love to look at it when its finished!
<br /><br />Oh, you asked about stain. I've never used stain on wood before epoxy. You'll find the teak turns a beautiful color on it's own as you coat it without any stain at all.<br /><br />If you ever do decide to stain, go with a powdered stain that you mix with alcohol or water. Epoxy doesn't stick well with oil-based stains. Once I stained some pine trim a Honduras mahogany color using water based stain, then did the epoxy/varnish coat and it came out fantastic! Most people couldn't tell it was pine because it was a very clear piece of wood. Of course, those who know wood can tell by the grain pattern.<br /><br />I hope this helps. Like I said, there's more than one way to skin a cat. Opinions and techniques do vary. What I've explained above is what works for me after about 15 years of boat building and restoring, but others may disagree and have a better technique. Thats all fine with me; were all here to share and give knowledge.<br /><br />Regards,<br />Dennis
