Teak Problem

[jneely]

Teak question here: I was cleaning my teak cockpit coaming yesterday. Using a mild cleaner (Iosso) and a fairly soft brush. Lots of small pieces of wood came off each time I hosed the cleaner off. This has been happening fo a while with small bits coming off every time I hose the boat down. It is not happening to other pieces of teak on the boat. Any explanations out there?

[tjr818]

As with most boat problems, a photo would really help. Is this happening to both combing boards, or only one?
"Small pieces" . . . how small? splinters, chips, grains?
How soft is "fairly soft"?
Usually the use of a brush is not recommended, brushing removes the soft wood leaving behind ridges of the harder wood; I am assuming that these hard ridges are the pieces that are breaking off.

[John Stone]

As with most boat problems, a photo would really help. Is this happening to both combing boards, or only one?
"Small pieces" . . . how small? splinters, chips, grains?
How soft is "fairly soft"?
Usually the use of a brush is not recommended, brushing removes the soft wood leaving behind ridges of the harder wood; I am assuming that these hard ridges are the pieces that are breaking off.

Perfect response.

[s2sailorlis]

The Bible….

https://www.amazon.com/Brightwork-Finis ... 0877429847

[Steve Laume]

Put something on your teak. Varnish, Cetol, oil, anything to keep it from drying out and weathering away. If you keep scrubbing it, you will eventually have very thin boards. Teak is a wonderful wood but leaving it raw and scrubbing it will not serve you well.

[gonesail]

I hear that teak sealer (like Semco) is easy to apply and does a good job of preserving the teak.