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Boat Forum / Building / November 2006Teak shower grate: Varhished or unfinished?
I am seeking the wisdom of the group here... I had occasion to strip the varnish off of our shower grate. When I had it down to bare wood, it looked pretty good. Although it was finished from the factory, I now wonder if that was only the request of the first owner. The grate in the cockpit is bare wood, and it looks good... What is the wisdom here: Should I leave it bare, or should I re-varnish it? bob s/v Eolian Seattle Teak looses it natural non-slip qualities when varnished; the shower is a place many prefer not to be slippery! Provided there's no standing water, i.e. the grate is not partially imersed in fresh water for extended periods, rot won't be a concern. I'd go unfinished. MW mike.e.worrall@abc.com inscribed in red ink for all to know: > Teak looses it natural non-slip qualities when varnished; the shower is > a place many prefer not to be slippery! [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > I'd go unfinished. The teak grate in the cockpit is exposed to the weather, and it seems to do fine. I was wondering if anyone had actually had a bare teak grate in the shower... does the soap affect it? Does it look good after a year's use? bob Seems like the unfinished wood would make a great catch place for all kinds of skin oils and cells, bacteria and mold growth, etc. Seems like a stinker waiting to happen. Although the raw teak wouldn't care, I'd sure finish it with something just to seal the wood and let more of the nasties go down the drain. I'd go unfinished for slip resistance. How hard would it be to remove it once in a while and pressure wash any accumilated crud? > I'd go unfinished for slip resistance. How hard would it be to remove > it once in a while and pressure wash any accumilated crud? Dashew's "Cruising Encyclopedia" made a good point. In a grate there are many holes you can only clean out with a toothbrush. Tedious. Their suggestion was to make a 'grate' but with all the pieces going in the same direction, (held together with a couple cross-pieces on the back). Much easier to clean out. >I am seeking the wisdom of the group here... > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >What is the wisdom here: Should I leave it bare, or should I re-varnish it? How about a coat of Cetol? Won't look as good as unvarnished in the short term, but maybe better in the long term. I'd have thought that soap will strip out the oils in the surface of the teak over time. If the wood remains damp it might get mouldy and discoloured. cheers, Pete. > I am seeking the wisdom of the group here... > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > What is the wisdom here: Should I leave it bare, or should I re-varnish it? Now that brings back memories ... many years ago, I travelled north a few times a year. I remember the showers in one camp had unfinished teak grates which were not fastened in place. So for cleaning, the grates were removed to clean up the shower stall, and the grates themselves could also easily be cleaned. Seems like an idea. I have a removable teak grate (finished) and use a botte brush to clean out all those holes, and the back as well. Once in awhile, I take it to the car wash and use the high pressure hose to blast it as well. A spritz of bleach occasionally keeps it clean as well. RW Salnick inscribed in red ink for all to know: > I am seeking the wisdom of the group here... > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > s/v Eolian > Seattle Thanks for all the comments... I have begun using the grate in its unfinished condition - so far, so good. It continues to look good... |
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