Oils & Varnishes

Our Oils & Varnishes range covers teak oils and yacht varnishes for brightwork: timber trim, toerails, handrails and cabin woodwork that need a natural finish rather than the harder, glossier build of a full varnish system, or teak-specific oils for external decking.

Teak oil and yacht varnish serve different purposes even though both go on timber. Teak oil is a light, penetrating treatment usually used on external teak decking, enriching colour short-term rather than building a hard protective film – it needs reapplying regularly and won’t stand up to heavy foot traffic the way a sealed finish would. Yacht varnish is a harder, UV-resistant film-forming finish built up in multiple coats, better suited to handrails, toerails and cabin brightwork that need real protection and a lasting shine rather than just colour enhancement.

Many owners now choose to let exterior teak decking weather to its natural silver-grey rather than oiling it repeatedly, since oil needs frequent top-ups to look consistent. Whichever you choose, apply in dry, settled conditions and avoid direct sun, which can cause an uneven, blotchy finish as the product dries too fast.

Frequently asked questions

Should I oil or varnish my teak decking?

Oil for external teak decking (reapplied regularly) or let it weather naturally; use varnish for handrails, toerails and cabin brightwork that need a harder, longer-lasting protective finish.

How often does teak oil need reapplying?

Several times a season for exposed decking, since it’s a light, penetrating treatment rather than a sealed film – it wears and fades faster than varnish.

Can I apply varnish in direct sunlight?

Avoid it – direct sun makes the varnish dry too fast, which can cause an uneven, blotchy finish. Work in dry, settled, shaded conditions where possible.