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Sikkens Timber Treatment

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Eclipsed, Feb 3, 2013.

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  1. Eclipsed, Feb 3, 2013
    #1
    Eclipsed

    Eclipsed Guest

    This is a warning for anyone thinking of using Sikkens timber treatment on their boat. We were recommended this premium product as a better finish than standard yacht varnish. We were advised that Sikkens Marine had been discontinued but that mainstream Sikkens was now suitable. This product is not suitable for marine use - for more details and some photos of what happened see SIKKENS TIMBER TREATMENT - WARNING | Eclipse SailingEclipse Sailing
  2. AMG, Feb 3, 2013
    #2
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    This product name does not exist in the product range from Sikkens? What exactly have you used and how did you apply it?
  3. Eclipsed, Feb 3, 2013
    #3
    Eclipsed

    Eclipsed Guest

    Sikkens Cetol . Applied as per manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Fishtigua, Feb 3, 2013
    #4
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    Yes, Sikkens dropped the Cetol Marine range about 18 months ago and introduced the Woodskin marine oil/varnish flexible coating.

    The other Cetol product may be the one which is sold within the Housebuilding and Construction range. It's popular and sells well but I wouldn't finish a boat with it.
  5. Laurence, Feb 3, 2013
    #5
    Laurence

    Laurence Senior Member

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    Wood Rails

    Better to use Bristol Finish.

    Attached Files:

  6. Pascal, Feb 3, 2013
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I m not sure what non marine mainstream Sikkens can be but I have used Cetol light plus glossin the past and while a lasting product I found that even the light has too much of an orange paint look. It s ok on a narrow surface like the hand rails on my Hatt but not suitable for wider surfaces especially on a classic boat

    I find it hard to believe that such dramatic failure would happen so quickly without an application issue, even a non marine finish

    I like Bristol... After two years of Cetol light+gloss in so fl, I sanded it off and used Bristol, which lasted about 2 years. Again not bad in so fl sunshine...
  7. Capt J, Feb 3, 2013
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I didn't know the Cetol marine was discontinued. The natural teak color they came out with was lighter than the light and looked appropriate as an alternative to varnish. I've had good results using 2-3 coats of color, then a few coats of the cetol clear, then a year or so later 2 more coats of the clear on top of what was already there after a light sanding and prep.
  8. Fishtigua, Feb 3, 2013
    #8
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    J bud, I think they only dropped the Marine range in Europe, not the US market. Personally I dislike the look of Cetol, looks so fake.
  9. Capt J, Feb 3, 2013
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I agree in many aspects, but it's mostly because people put on too many coats of color making it look muddy. I've had good results with 2 coats of the dark on a cockpit deck. I've also had great results with 2 coats of the natural teak color and a few coats of clear over it......I also had ugly results with 4 coats of the light many years ago before I knew better.
  10. Capt Bill11, Feb 5, 2013
    #10
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    As I recall the history of CETOL, people started using the exterior wood version of the finish on boats before there was a marine version of it with very good results. And that prompted Sikkens to come out with the marine version.

    While I would never put it on seating or on a deck, I can't ever recall seeing it come off like that in such a short time. I assume that is teak that you put it on? How did you prep the wood? Did you bleach it? Sand it down? How many coats of finish did you put on? What were you washing the wood with after you applied the Sikkens? How long did it take to get to the point that 50% and 90% came off?

    With such open seams and cracks like on the planking in the photo, I'm not sure how you expected the Sikkens, or any finish, to keep water from getting under it.

    Is this your first boat with a lot of wood on it?