How to Clean and Protect Teak Ski Platforms

Oxidized teak changes color from its natural light brown hue to a darker grayish color.

Teak is a popular wood used for outdoor furniture, boat decks and boat ski platforms. It's used for these purposes because it's particularly resilient to elemental damage such as water damage, mold and mildew cultivation and oxidation. However, strong resilience does not mean that the wood is impervious to weather damage. Teak requires cleaning when it begins to show oxidation, by turning either a gray or dark brown color, and starts to grow mold and mildew. However, cleaning and protecting a teak ski platform is straightforward, the result of which is a longer-lasting and more aesthetically pleasing finish.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Teak cleaner
• Stiff bristle brush
• Bucket of water
• Masking tape
• Teak sealant or oil
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Clean off the surface of the teak ski platform with a broom. Apply the teak cleaner to the wood and gently scrub, with the grain, using a stiff bristle brush.

2. Allow the teak cleaner to sit on the wood to absorb dirt particles and lift weathering. Fill a large bucket with water and scrub the teak cleaner with a water-soaked bristle brush to dilute the teak cleaner.

3. Rinse the wood thoroughly and give it a final brush to lift any remaining debris. Rinse it again.

4. Allow the wood to fully dry. Protect all fiberglass in contact with the teak ski platform by lining it with masking tape.

5. Apply a coat of teak sealant or oil with a paint brush to the entire platform. Allow the oil or sealant to dry as specified on its container. Repeat this process until the desired finish is achieved.

Tips & Warnings

• Teak oil will create a natural-looking seal that's designed to bring out the wood's natural colors; Teak sealant, on the other hand, will create a glossy finish.

• Never use a cleaning detergent on teak other than extremely mild cleaners, preferably teak cleaner, because strong detergents will significantly damage the wood.

References

• Teak Flex: Teak Doctor's Teak Care Guide
• Boat Us: Teak Care; Don Casey
• Marine Store: Teak Care and Maintenance
• Boat Insurance; How to Clean and Protect Your Boat's Gel Coat and Teak; March 26, 2010