Products such as Semco Teak Sealer, TotalBoat Danish Teak Sealer, Star Brite Tropical Teak Oil Sealer, and BoatLIFE Teak Brite are all examples of teak sealers. Teak sealers are most commonly used on teak, but may also work on other species such as iroko, mahogany, redwood, ash, jatoba, ipe and butternut. They may work on other wood species as well, but may not have quite the same results.
Generally, these products are great as a penetrating sealant that protects against stains and dirt while preventing teak wood from drying out. Unlike varnishes, teak sealers do not leave a film, and are absorbed into the wood. Teak oils have a slightly different composition, and give the wood a natural golden finish. Unlike some other oils and varnishes, some teak sealers like Semco Teak Sealer can give the wood different tonal qualities.
For best results, you want to sand the wood smooth, removing any dry, gray grain to expose the beautiful, natural tone of the wood. Teak sealers can be applied in a number of different methods such as brushing, using a rag, or rolling, then wiping away any remaining sealer after a few minutes. For the first application, most sealers require a couple of coats.
Maintenance coats are one of the most important and overlooked aspects of using teak sealers. Some wood will seem to drink the sealer and start to look gray after only a couple of weeks. Depending on climate, sun exposure, and the condition of the wood, you may have to apply maintenance coats every month, twice a year, or annually. Taking care of the wood and performing maintenance as needed will give the best satisfaction.