How to Sand Teak Pt. 1 - First Mate Yacht Care 

Dan, Glad you liked the video. I would love to look at some pictures if you would like to bother, otherwise I will answer as best as I can with the information given. If you want a great finish, with a deck that feels amazing under your feet, you are going to want to get the deck sanded flush. However, it is not worth having a smooth deck, if you have sanded through your caulk (seams), bungs, or even the bungs in some spots!

We 100% understand all of the comments about not having to sand/oil your teak. For *all* of the boats we work on and sand, it is the OWNERS preference on what they want their teak to look like, and want it to be protected by a sealant.

@ExpressSWE Alexander, Using the wider throw (1/4") will be more aggressive. I tend to believe that the shorter throw (1/8") is going to leave a cleaner finish. Try starting your rough grit with a wider throw, and finishing with the short throw, and see if you have preference.

@wendan20 Dan, Glad you liked the video. I would love to look at some pictures if you would like to bother, otherwise I will answer as best as I can with the information given. If you want a great finish, with a deck that feels amazing under your feet, you are going to want to get the deck sanded flush. However, it is not worth having a smooth deck, if you have sanded through your caulk (seams), bungs, or even the bungs in some spots!

@pjottr1 I tend to agree with you, but after spending some time with the Teak Decking Systems crew, they go after decks with 36grit! and big 8in rotary wheels!!!

if you have deep grooves keep grinding at p 120 p 80 is too rough for your wood keep speed at a little over 50% and keep moving till its all clear

Hi, i liked your video. I am sanding my teakdeck myself right now. I encounter some problems because the grooves in the teak are so deep that I cannot sand them flat with 80 grit. What advise would you give me on getting a smooth teakdeck? Should I use 60 or even 40 grit on my Festool 150 or a beltsander? I hope to hear from you. Greetings, Daniel

Question: What is the shiny black material in the margin between the Toerail and the Teak?

I know that you're going to finish up with an oil finish. I'm hoping to avoid the frequent reoiling work necessary. I've been planning on using Sikkens but recently have run across the UV cured finishes and now I'm thinking of using that product. Have you any experience with these other products and/or an opinion of them?

there is no need to oil or sand your teak...just clean with a brush and salt water...unless your fresh water sailing.

+1 for NOT sanding. Your removing a layer every time. Salt water and an occasional cleaning with pine Sol works wonders.

This time I will use Stodoys plans for this.