Preserving the "natural" look of teak

Posted By: Mike Carter
Date: 11/28/08 11:17a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

I would like to pose a question to the group about caring for the teak on my M15, specifically the hatch boards. Several forum members whose opinions I value have recommended varnishing the boards. I see the sense in that, but my strong preference is to keep the boards looking as natural as possible with only some teak oil finish applied. I know the teak veneer on the boards is quite thin and the edges are susceptible to water intrusion, but I was wondering if anyone has left it at just filling any voids on the edges and sealing only that part of the boards? We have a bone dry climate most of the year here in Colorado, so I don't think natural moisture in the air is going to be a problem. I know there is a wealth of information and experience here, so I have to believe some of you have faced this dilemma. How you resolved it to maintain that "natural" look would be of real interest to me. Mike