Subject: Teak Repair (cabin sole)
Date: Mon, 06 Mar 2000Dear Dr. Rot:
We plan to use your products to repair teak flooring in a Ericson 34. The teak flooring is covered with urethane. The spots affected are about one foot areas, each side of the mast, where water had entered and wicked laterally. The teak has some discoloration where water affected the urethane. We have sanded the affected areas, but not the entire flooring, since it covers many square feet.
What would be the best method to handle this repair. Should we try to clean the teak---the discoloration might be removed with a bit more sanding? Do you think we could use your sealer just in the affected area and coat with urethane and get a reasonable result?
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Milt C.
Milt,
I wouldn't sand too much, for fear of creating an indent. Sounds as if you've sanded it clean. I'd probably get some TSP (tri-sodium phosphate -- cheap stuff available at any hardware store), mix with water as per package instructions, wash the area to be treated, rinse clean (rinse several times), and then allow to dry. Now you can apply CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) to the affected area.
The CPES will color the teak about the same as a coat of the clear urethane -- slightly darken and highlight the grain. It shouldn't affect the urethane that is already down, but there is a possibility that it might raise the finish a bit on the edges. That can be sanded away after the CPES has cured (give it at least 24 hours). Suggest that about 15 minutes after the CPES has been applied you go back over the area with a clean, lint-free rag or chamois and wipe to evenly distribute the CPES. This will give you an even finish.
Then apply new urethane. It will bond securely with the CPES-treated wood.
There is a possibility that there will be a slight tonal difference between the treated area and the existing finish. It's hard to tell. But this process will give you the best possibility of getting things even.
Come on back if you have additional questions.
Doc