Damaged Teak treads

[tjr818]

A previous owner had installed adhesive backed stair treads on the companionway ladder, now I am trying to refinish the ladder and the teak that was under the tread is a different color than the rest of the tread. I have sanded and tried Starbrite Teak Cleaner, but so far the discoloration is still showing . Does anyone have some ideas on how to even the colors out?

[kerrydeare]

... I am trying to refinish the ladder and the teak that was under the tread is a different color than the rest of the tread. I have sanded and tried Starbrite Teak Cleaner, but so far the discoloration is still showing ...

You may be "stuck" a bit, but you can always try oxalic acid (in powder form) followed by your favorite teak treatment (there are many available). It will probably take several applications to get where you want to be, but you should definitely not succumb to any procedure that involves sanding because you will simply be getting rid of good wood that you cannot replace.

[John Stone]

A previous owner had installed adhesive backed stair treads on the companionway ladder, now I am trying to refinish the ladder and the teak that was under the tread is a different color than the rest of the tread. I have sanded and tried Starbrite Teak Cleaner, but so far the discoloration is still showing . Does anyone have some ideas on how to even the colors out?

Tim
I’d try Te-Ka two part cleaner. It is amazing. Not something I would do often to teak but when needed nothing else restores teak to its natural color better.

[Steve Laume]

Try exposing the treads to sunlight for a period of time. You may be surprise to see how much the color changes in a short time. It would be the most gentle solution to blending the color. All the harsh chemicals and or sanding are not going to be all that good for the wood and you are still not going to get a perfect blend. You could also re apply some sort of non skid as the steps do get slippery, Steve.

[John Stone]

I imagine part of the discoloration is from UV but also because the steps have a lot of grime and dirt ground into the wood. So thorough cleaning is going to be important. I am very protective of the teak on the FR, but I don’t think using Te-Ka is going to be harmful if used only a few times over the life of the wood. If you don’t want to use a two part cleaner then, as Steve suggested, putting the ladder in the sun going to be important. And, you may need to do that anyway. Using a two part cleaner (which incorporates a critical neutralizer), with lots of water, is going to do far less harm than aggressive sanding. Choices.

One more thought. Teak, if left bare should not require non skid strips. It may after many years of wear be worn excessively smooth and can be benefit from sanding with the grain with 80 grit to restore its anti slip properties.

[gonesail]

eventually the sanding will reveal matching teak. the question is how much sanding do you want to do?

[tjr818]

I really don't want to sand much at all. I am thinking about flipping the treads over and using them upside down. I would have to recut the bevel and that would shorten the treads by almost 1/2" inch, but that might be less destructive than sanding a 1/16" or more off of the treads.

[Jim Walsh]

This may not be the traditional method but this is my solution. https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S- ... lsrc=aw.ds It’s commonly available at your local hardware store sold by the foot. I’ve found it to last about three seasons. No matter how you are being tossed about, your shoes will not slip on this stuff.


You can just see my companionway ladder in this photo

[Steve Laume]

You can also get the stuff Jim is showing in 1" wide strips.

I has great non skid properties as well as being useful in removing built up calluses from running around bare foot all summer, Steve.

[gonesail]

I really don't want to sand much at all. I am thinking about flipping the treads over and using them upside down. I would have to recut the bevel and that would shorten the treads by almost 1/2" inch, but that might be less destructive than sanding a 1/16" or more off of the treads.

great idea if possible. i did that once with some cutting boards that covered the galley sinks. the teak was perfect.

[Steve Laume]

If this is a situation that bothers you enough to try to turn the boards over and re cut them to fit, you would be far better off if you just made new ones. They are going to look far worse than tehy do now if you turn them over and hack them up. It's not that much wood and if you think you are talented enough to re cut the bevels you could certainly make new ones, Steve.

[mashenden]

Try exposing the treads to sunlight for a period of time. You may be surprise to see how much the color changes in a short time...

Agreed. I would give Steve's suggestion a try - its easy and cheap. Just leave it in direct sun for 3 or 4 days and see what happens. Then clean etc to see if it goes away or at least blends enough to make it a nonissue.

[tjr818]

Try exposing the treads to sunlight for a period of time. You may be surprise to see how much the color changes in a short time...

Agreed. I would give Steve's suggestion a try - its easy and cheap. Just leave it in direct sun for 3 or 4 days and see what happens. Then clean etc to see if it goes away or at least blends enough to make it a nonissue.

That sure seems like that should be the first thing to try. Now all I need is some sunshine