Satin finish for Cetol?

[Joe Myerson]

Two years ago I bit the bullet and had the yard refinish my brightwork. They did a masterful job, giving the Cetol Natural Teak a velvety matte finish. When Ispot finished it last season, I couldn't match that finish. This year, I carefully added a light coat to my hatch boards--only to discover that the boards now have a glossy sheen.

Is there some trick to achieving the satin finish, or will I have to live with out-of-the can sheen? Any ideas?

Thanks,

--Joe

[gonesail]

the cetol website says the natural teak color is a satin. did you stir it up good? sure you didn't buy the cetol clear gloss? with my varnish the gloss moderates after a few weeks.

[Joe Myerson]

Thanks for your feedback.

I followed the directions very carefully, and I suspect the out-of-the-can shine is considered matte, but it just doesn't have the brushed velvet quality of the work done by the yard.

I sent a query to the manufacturer, and they gave the same answer you did: The Natural Teak has a matte finish. It still seems shinier than what the yard did, but maybe it will dull a bit as it dries.

--Joe

[jbenagh]

Joe, it's extra work but you can wet sand with the 3M white pads to get that nice rubbed effect. There are also flattening agents you can add. I think those take a bit of experimentation and are sensitive to temp and humidity.
Jeff

[Joe Myerson]

Thanks, Jeff.
The manufacturer advised against using a flattening agent, but I might try the pads if I have time.

--Joe

[Jim Walsh]

It has been my experience that the top coat of Cetol Marine Gloss, which is the UV protection, losses it’s glossy appearance rather quickly and may not be a true satin finish but it’s certainly something between the two. Since Cetol alone has no inherent UV protection I find the benefit of the gloss outweighs the slightly less than satin final appearance.
If I had to hazard a guess I’d surmise the yard may have used crocus cloth or scotch-brite after the gloss application.....

[Joe Myerson]

UPDATE:
I spoke with Bob, Parker's painting maestro, yesterday.
He said the satin finish was achieved by applying an even coat of Cetol Natural Teak, which has its own matte finish. He also said that different cans of Cetol might have different degrees of gloss. My spot applications, from a new can, seemed to be glossier than the original, but that gloss has toned down with time. The complete re treatment of the cockpit coaming seems to be just about as matte as the refinishing by Parker's.

So, whoever mentioned the matte finish of the Cetol: you were right. No secret process was involved.

--Joe