If you have teak to deal with, either on your boat or on furniture, you know what a headache it can be to keep it looking fabulous. Deb Meyer, at TeakGuard, has an environmentally-friendly, water-based product that’s been getting some rave reviews from Carolyn over at The Boat Galley, and I had a chance to chat with Deb earlier this week.

She shared with me how she and her husband, Marty, came to own the business, which was started by a friend of theirs over 40 years ago. They had already started one mail order business, OdorXit, and when TeakGuard/AllGuardProducts came up for sale, it didn’t take much convincing for them to opt in. They’re based in Cincinnati with some boating background, but their passion is really helping connect people with products that work.

Once upon a time, they even had owned a teak refinishing business; the lessons they learned there really have helped them provide knowledgeable information and advice to their customers.

What follows is not verbatim, but as close as I can get without shifting back and forth between the audio recording and writing this post.

N: What’s the process for using TeakGuard?

D: It starts with removing all the old finish, which is definitely the challenging part to this project. It takes some time and effort for sure.

N: Any recommendations on how to do that easily?

D: Actually the best product we’ve found is Blue Bear. They have a number of different products, and I’d suggest calling the company to have them help you figure out what you really need, but it’s the best one out there. Soy-based, so better for the environment and for you - but also super effective.

Once you’ve removed ALL the old finish, it’s time for the TeakGuard Super Cleaner. Apply it, then (while it’s still wet) brush (or use bronze wool) to loosen all the gunk. Then rinse really well with fresh water. After that, apply one coat of TeakGuard (you don’t even have to wait until it’s dry!) and then a second coat after about 10 minutes. Wait 24 hours and apply coats 3 and 4, with a 5th if you really want a darker color.

N: So it sounds like you need to make sure you have good access to a fresh water supply. Might be good to put this on the list for when you’re not at anchor, unless you have a watermaker.

D: Yes.

N: And then after your initial set up, after the removal and cleaning and 4-5 coats, then what?

D: Definitely plan on giving the teak a wash with fresh water a couple of times a year. Then you need one or 2 maintenance coats each year. Nothing else. It’s that simple to keep your teak looking great!

N: What do you wish people knew about TeakGuard?

D: How easy it is to apply!

N: Once you get the old finish off, that is. (Laughs) But really. What is it that makes it so easy? Is it that it doesn’t require a lot of time in between coats?

D: Not a lot of time between coats and not as many coats as many other finishes. You clean, then apply a coat, wait 10-20 minutes, and apply another coat. Then 24 hours later you can apply the next 2 coats. So once a year you wipe your teak down and apply 2 coats with 10-20 minutes in between and you’re good to go.

N: Anything you wish people asked you about that they don’t?

D: I wish more people really paid attention to the difference between steel wool (don’t use it) and bronze wool (awesome to use.) Steel wool will break off in little pieces that embed themselves into your teak, causing the TeakGuard finish to break down because it hasn’t adhered directly to the wood. Bronze wool won’t do that. Only thing with bronze wool is that you really need to wear gloves when you use it or it will tear your hands up. Ask me how I know.

N: How can people find out more?

D: Go to AllGuardProducts.com or teakguard.com - same place. We sell a complete kit, with everything you need from the cleaner and bronze wool to the TeakGuard and foam brushes. Or just the individual components. There’s a special coupon for The Boat Galley Podcast listeners too, so check that out! And please don’t forget to send us before/after photos of your teak work. We love to showcase our customers and their incredible work!