Easiest way to remove Cetol from teak

[David VanDenburgh]

We took all the Cetol off Ariel's teak this year by using a heat gun and a high quality scraper. It was fast and easy - much better than any other method we know. The ProPrep scraper is great: http://www.pacifichandycutter.com/spectrum.htm

[Ron M.]

I'm an advocate of scrapers........have been for years. Remove all types of finishes from varnish to bottom paint, even epoxy. The surface left on wood by a sharp and properly utilized scraper is far superior to any amount of abrasive grinding/polishing and much quicker.......without the clouds of dust. Of course you have to get the hang of how to sharpen them. The present generation of carbide edges last well and do a good job with ergonomic handles that save fatigue.
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Volcano Digital

[Domenic]

I just cant wait .Bought a heat gun and scraper . Getting that ugly disgusting cetol off my boat ASAP. I am going with Bristol Finish.

[David van den Burgh]

I just cant wait. Bought a heat gun and scraper.

Domenic,

If you haven't done this before you'll soon find your own rhythm, but FWIW I found that it was most effective to heat a six inch section or so of Cetol at a time. You want to apply enough heat to get the Cetol to bubble, but not enough to char it. Once it starts to bubble, drag the scraper in a smooth stroke and watch the Cetol peel off. Heating too big of a section usually means that some of the Cetol has cooled before you get to it and you'll just have to heat it again. That's not too big of a deal, but the Cetol seems to scrape away most easily after the first application of heat.

Have fun. You'll spend plenty of time on your hands and knees leaning over the rail if the boat's in the water.

[Domenic]

Yes, this is the first I will be using a Heat Gun. I will let you know how it turns out. Domenic