Alternatives to Teak Deck Oils

Best is to avoid anything, just keep it clean, which is also easier without all bogus treatments...

+1 on that.
My great uncle used to mix teak oil and varnish, and only had to do his decks once per year. But I still think bare teak is the best. I've even started to see more yachts leaving their cap rails bare as well.

I keep the decks bare as well.....Have NEVER oiled them.....Have used the Cetol Marine on some boats and Semco.....starbrite tropical teal sealer......but rarely.....only if the deck is really thin.

Never use teak oils on teak decking, you will damage them for good. Salt water and a scrubbing pad is all you need.

I've seen the Semco stuff look like that picture and last a long time on a shaded aft deck. It did not turn grey at all, but did eventually wear off after a year or longer.

We use only the cleaners from the manufacturer of our teak decks, Teakdecking Systems, using their liquid and powder cleaners. They do maintain and restore color without harming the teak. They're effective in removing any oils or stains such as suntan lotions. Here are video's of their use http://www.teakdecking.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=108

and here is the link to the products. http://www.teakdecking.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=129

Now, if you have badly damaged teak that has had other products used or not been maintained, I can't speak to their effectiveness, but I can to their effectiveness for us. We did actually use them on a fairly neglected wooden dock and had better results than we expected although clearly not what they were designed for. We just had it handy and had just purchased the dock and so tried.

Correct, natural teak turns silver/grey over time and I believe it should remain that way. It's the natural look.

Using the cleaner I indicated, they maintain their original color.

Not really. They maintain the golden color you're used to. Virgin teak is actually much darker and almost a walnut color in it's origional form.

Original, as in the color they were when delivered new. No, not the color when on the tree or prior to manufacture. But not the faded out grey either.

Just seems simple to me to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

http://www.pbo.co.uk/expert-advice/the-truth-about-teak-decks-27622

For a cleaner I use Sea Shield products now with very good results. They seem very mild, now burn on your feet at all, yet do a very effective job of cleaning and brightening.

I had no idea what my crew uses, in order to keep the teak deck as perfect as it is. I had to call the engineer. That's what he said:

"We use Boracol, a thin like water and uncolored liquid against mildew applied on a slightly sprayed deck. Applied correctly and not washed away on the same or next day by heavy rain or waves comming over the bow, it will last for some time. Teak oil is good but the results are seldom beautiful. But professionally applied and by using a high quality brand, we use Teaksealer from Hempel, the deck will look perfect like ours. But we are only oiling the deck, when we know, that you are not comming for at least the next 10 days (due to smell and uneven color during the work in period)." Sounds pretty proud but he is right. The boat is in its fourth season now and the teak deck looks perfect and almost as new.

And he added, thanks for not choosing varnished teak on the outside. Which is not correct, the flag pole is made of high gloss teak .

I use SEMCO too, it holds great in our 'sunny and salty' environment, and I love the natural looks!

The teak on my boat was neglected for many years, but I removed the remaining varnish, and put some effort in cleaning and re-calking. We sit on it (drinking beer and BBQing) almost every weekend, and after the first 4-5 layers, I only put on a single layer every six month, it's an easy job with a simple brush and some paper (for simple cleaning the residue)...

I bought the TDS materials. Will give it a try.

Thanks....