From: RGromet
Location: Vt
Date: 01 Apr 2004
Time: 20:38:04
After exhaustive research, I learned how to clean darkened teak. It is a simple, arduous process. Get some TSP - the real stuff, trisodium phosphate. Sonogram in Mass. makes it. If you can't find it, Jamestown Distributors, Bristol, R.I. sells it and will ship. The key is to make a super saturated solution of TSP in hot water. Super means that some of the power will not dissolve - the water has absorbed all it can. Next is a bristle brush. AND keep it clean. So, each time you scrub the dunked brush, clean it with a hose with WARM wawa water. Otherwise, you will be rubbing dirt back into the teak!!!!! So, clean clean clean the brush!! you will be amazed at the result - the teak will be tan and clean. I did not sand the first teak I did, a toe rail on a Pearson because it was too pitted, but after the TSP cleaning, I applied 6 coats of Cetol Marine - satin - and have only applied one or two coats a year since in the last 8 or 9 or more since the original refinish. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer. The key is to keep the brush clean!! RG