Many customers love the ease of use for Sikkens Cetol, and the different finish tones that are offered. Cetol boasts that it allows the wood to breathe, and does not require sanding between coats if reapplied within a specific time frame.
For a little background on Sikkens Cetol, it's available in four different color tone/finish varieties including:
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All varieties create a translucent finish, except Cetol Marine Gloss. The Marine Gloss product is only designed to go over one of the other Cetol finishes, it is not designed as a stand-alone product.
PREPARATION: Sikkens Cetol is designed to go directly onto bare wood. Remove any previous coating or varnishes before applying. If the wood has any staining present, it should be cleaned first with a quality teak cleaner, as directed. In this case, they recommend Interlux Premium Teak Restorer. Also use the Interlux Premium Teak Cleaner on previously oiled, or any grayed teak. Allow the wood to dry completely—this may mean days, or it may mean a week. Sand the wood smooth (with the grain) using 180-220 grit sandpaper. Remove any sanding residue. Ensure that the wood is dry and the wood's moisture content is below 18% or you may have issues with the Cetol finish later on. No solvent wipes should be necessary. Acetone or Interlux 216 can be used if absolutely needed, and only on bare wood—DO NOT use these solvents on Cetol coatings. To avoid application issues, ensure that all solvents have evaporated completely before applying Cetol.
APPLICATION: When applying the first coat of Cetol, apply it at a time of day when dew, rain, or other condensation will not affect the cure or finish. The ambient air environment, Cetol product, and wood substrate must be between 50 and 90°F. Avoid applying in direct sunlight, if possible. Do not thin Sikkens Cetol, even on the first coat. Using a long-haired natural bristle-type brush, apply a liberal coat. Allow 24 hours to cure before applying the next coat. Do not sand between coats, as this product needs the full application thickness from each coat for its UV effectiveness. If absolutely necessary, scuff lightly with a Scotch-Brite™ pad, or lightly sand sags or drips away with 320-grit sandpaper; an extra coat of Cetol may be necessary after sanding. Apply all coats within 1-2 weeks. Use Interlux 216 for cleanup, before the Cetol has cured.
For the first year, it is recommended to build 3 coats of Cetol Marine, Marine Light, or Marine Natural Teak. If a gloss finish is desired, at least 2 coats of Cetol Marine, Marine Light, or Marine Natural Teak are required before applying 2-3 coats of Cetol Marine Gloss.
MAINTENANCE: To maintain the finish, yearly coats are required. Wash the old finish thoroughly with boat soap, and allow it to dry completely. Lightly sand the old finish (with the grain) using 220-grit or 320-grit sandpaper. Remove all sanding residue with a vacuum, and apply a maintenance coat of Cetol.