Got a scratch in the teak on your boat? Oh, it hurts. But it happens. The question is, how do you fix it without totally refinishing that area? Fortunately, I discovered an easy fix.
How Scratches Happen
I was putting a piece of stainless tubing below and turned to say something to Dave. In that second, the end of the tube gouged a scratch in the teak behind the settee.
I’ve done it before, generally when moving something through a doorway. And Barefoot Gal has a long teak counter in her port hull, opposite all our tool storage. Yes, it’s gotten scratched more than once. (We’ll leave aside the question of why any boat manufacturer would have a wood countertop in a high-use area for now . . .)
A Quick Fix
Rather than sanding and totally refinishing the area, I’ve learned that Old English Scratch Cover (Amazon) furniture polish does an amazing job of “fixing” the scratches.For teak, use the “dark wood” formula for best results. It’s also a good match for walnut, mahogany, and cherry. For woods such as oak, maple, and birch, use the “light wood” formula.
The Method
Shake the bottle before starting to ensure that the color is thoroughly mixed. Unless it’s a really big scratch, a Q-Tip works well as an applicator.
While you don’t want to smear it everywhere, don’t worry if some goes on the “good” wood.
Before it dries, wipe off the excess with a rag or paper towel. Immediately after applying the Old English, it’s slightly noticeable. But in a few days, it’s absorbed into the wood and is almost impossible to detect.
You can buy Old English Scratch Cover at Amazon and also at most supermarkets and big box stores (in with cleaning supplies). For keeping wood looking good, Old English Lemon Oil (Amazon) is also good.
Other Boat Owner’s Advice
The Boat Galley is all about cruisers helping other cruisers. So let’s share some other boater’s favorite products. Jim S. swears by Restor-A-Finish (Amazon). It comes in a variety of wood colors, and is good for restoring a larger area. He follows up with Feed and Wax (Amazon) to keep the finish looking good.
Janice F recommends Minwax stain markers (Amazon). They come in several colors, contains actual stain, and can be found at most local hardware stores as well as online. Although few cruisers own shoes that require polishing, Claire reminds us that shoe polish (Amazon) works well in a pinch. In addition, if you buy it in paste or cream form, you don’t have to worry about spills.
The good news is that whatever method you use, it’s easy enough to fix small scratches in boat teak with very little work.
More Teak Care . . .
Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’ve never had anything made of neem wood, so I can’t answer from personal experience. Hopefully someone else can.