Oh, it hurts. But it happens.
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.
It’s happened before, generally moving something through a doorway. And Barefoot Gal has a long teak counter in her port hull — right 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 . . .)
Rather than sanding and totally refinishing the area, I’ve learned that Old English Scratch Cover furniture polish does an amazing job of “fixing” the scratches. For teak, the “dark wood” formula works best. It’s also good for walnut, mahogany and cherry; for woods such as oak, maple and birch, use the “light wood” formula.
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 just smear it everywhere, don’t worry if some goes on the “good” wood.
Before it dries, simply take a rag or paper towel and wipe the excess off. Immediately after you apply the Old English, it’s slighly 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 most supermarkets and big box stores (in with cleaning supplies). For keeping wood looking good, their Lemon Oil is also good.
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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.
Frances Liz Fernandez says
Nice save! Good to know
Jeanne Brennan-Krawetzky says
I have used this many times. A true saver! 🙂
Diana K Weigel says
Truly great product
Jim Shell says
We have found Restor-A-Finish very good and it comes in many wood colors. We have found it particularly good at restoring the finish on a entire area, not just a scratch area. We follow up with Feed and Wax to keep the finish at its peak appearance
Janice Fleischmann says
I found a wood stain pen at my local hardware store. I think it is from Minwax. It comes in several colours and I found one that matches our teak interior. It contains real wood stain and is not just a marker. They work really well on scratches and nicks.
Nikki Dowden says
I used strong coffee on a patch, then I varnished over it……. So far so good, but I will invest in a bottle!
Michelle Rene says
So good to know! And while reading your article I saw the link to cleaning cloudy Windows which I’ve been meaning to research… Excited to have both answers! Thank you!
Carolyn Brown Fuller says
I’ve used Old English for years at home. One of the first cleaning products I brought aboard our boat! Gotta clean my windows too, hope the prisim polish does the trick.
Terri Zorn says
Love love love Old English…. I always have a bottle. Life happens.
Mary Caruthers says
Thx needed this
Jennifer Moran says
If you have no product, break a walnut in half and rub the scratch with the broken edge In the direction of the grain.
Claire says
Shoe polish works well, too, and if buy the tins, there’s no liquid to spill.
Diana K Weigel says
Since I’ve used Old English Scratch cover at home for years, I’m feeling sheepish I didn’t think about it for the teak on the boat. Thanks for the heads up!
Jan Bogart says
Shall drag my bottle back out……I have dozens of spots to use it on!
Couch Sailors - Sailing Videos says
Glad I came across this! Nice results!
Rene Starrett says
Great to know!
Jackie says
I’m concerned about neem wood table. Is it durable enough the leave water in it for short time. I’m looking to purchase a dining table made out of neem wood.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’ve never had anything made of neem wood, so I can’t answer from personal experience. Hopefully someone else can.