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A new system for 'keeping the grey out of teak'

If you have teak decks you will want to keep them looking like new and not have them go grey! You will also want them to last as long as possible.

Without care and attention, your teak decks will lose their rich colour and turn grey, go dirty and then shabby. Eventually turning green and covered in mildew. Cleaning teak decks the wrong way will also do a great deal of harm. Excessive scrubbing and the use of power washers will soon remove teak's natural oils and rip out timber fibres turning the surface into a 'peaks and troughs' ribbed finish. Basically the life of your teak decks will be drastically shortened if you clean them in the wrong way.

Before you do anything else read the following information. Our system will keep your decks looking great for years.

What is "Onward Teak Care System"?
It is a three part cleaning and sealing system for teak decks and other timbers that are usually left to go grey in the elements. Our system will bring the full colour back to your decks and with the sealer keep it looking new.

Onward teak cleaner is an advanced chemical formulation that gives amazing results. The system consists of three parts. Parts 1 & 2 are the red and green cleaning system which will bring your decks back to life and their original colour.

Now the clever bit. Part 3. Unlike other systems ours has a sealer, Semco Sealer, which is spirit based and easily applied to dry teak against the ingress of water and dirt. Part of its formulation contains an ultra-violet barrier which stops teak from going grey. Initially two thin coats are applied but subsequently only one coat is applied at regular intervals.

The way you apply the full system is outlined here, full application instructions are on the product labels.

One word of caution, do not allow the cleaner to come in contact with alloys or anodising as it may permanently mark the surface.

For a quick guide to quantities required look at 'How to clean your decks'

Teak Care for Decks (steps 1 to 3)
Step No 1. A 'red' cleaning solution which cleans deep into the surface of the teak without harming the timber. This is hand applied with scouring pads to ensure strict control of the solution and quality of the cleaning.

Step No 2. A 'green' neutralising solution is then applied to finish the cleaning process and neutralise the 'red' cleaner. The deck is then washed with fresh water and allowed to thoroughly dry.

Step No 3. When the deck is absolutely dry, 4 to 8 hours (depending upon air temperature) two coats of Semco Sealer are applied. It is this sealer or barrier coat that will keep your decks looking like new and help keep them from getting dirty and turning grey. Semco Sealer Natural has a slight pigment in it, but does not darken the teak to any significant degree. Using the sealer 'waterproofs' the teak and also contains an ultra violet barrier, which together helps keep dirt off and prolongs its life. No more grey decks only teak coloured ones! Once the sealer has been applied to the deck, no other cleaning should be required except for the occasional wash down with soapy water. After six months it is recommended that another coat of Semco Sealer is applied. By putting sealer on every six months you may never have to 'clean' the decks again. In very hot climates such as the Mediterranean, it would be advisable for a sealer coat to be applied more often, perhaps every four months instead of six. To judge when the next sealer should be applied, pour some fresh water onto the deck, if it sinks in, another coat of sealer is needed. If the water goes into globules then the sealer is fine and the deck 'waterproof', another coat is not needed yet.

NEW - Semco Sealer Honeytone. Slightly browner than the Natural sealer, gives a very pleasing finished colour.

Is it only teak that can be cleaned?
Although Semco is designed for use on teakwood it is equally successful on virtually any other timber. We have cleaned and sealed Douglas Fir, Iroko and other timbers used for decking.
Where else can the system be used?
Basically, anywhere really. Garden Furniture, garden decking, timber flooring, balcony decking, pool timber surrounds etc.
How much do I need?
This will depend upon the severity of the job! The rule of thumb is that one litre of Onward Teak Cleaner will clean approximately 8-15 sqm of decking, 5 Lts pack will clean up to 70 sqm. A 2.5Lt pack will cover 20-37 sqm. The above guide is for teak, if you are cleaning softer timber such as Columbian pine then you will use more of the cleaner as it will soak into the timber.
Equipment needed:
Two buckets; Green washing up scourers; Small stiff bristled brush; Rubber gloves; Cloths; Knee pads; Onward Teak Cleaner System. Thoroughly wet an area of approximately 1 metre square and then apply the RED, part one cleaner, using the green scourer. You will see the timber turn red. Using the green pad, now start the cleaning process by rubbing with the grain. You will see the dirt coming out of the wood instantly, every now and again wash out the pad and if needed add more cleaner. Keep up this process until no more dirt comes out and you have finished the area. Remove any surface scum and dirt with a cloth. Now cover the area with GREEN, part two cleaner, with the scouring pad. You will see the timber lighten and come back to the colour of fresh teak. Continue to rub/clean this area until it is uniformly one colour. Wipe down with a clean damp cloth. Continue this same process over the entire decking area until it is complete. Ensure all excess cleaner is removed by thoroughly washing down with fresh water. When cleaning, remember to overlap each area so that you do not leave a line in between each cleaned area. Leave the deck until it is completely dry. This will vary depending upon air temperature but at least 4 hours on a hot day but preferably 8.
Semco Sealer

Once the deck is dry the sealer can now be applied. Stir up the sealer and remember to keep it stirred at all times, as the pigment will settle very quickly. Using a clean cloth wipe on the sealer until the area you are doing is saturated. Now wipe off any excess cleaner ensuring even coverage. A fresh coat of sealer is required every six months or sooner in hot climates. Remember it is the sealer that keeps your decks clean and will keep the grey away. To remove excess sealer from other areas use a cream cleaner.

Ongoing Maintenance
Your decks should not need 'deep cleaning' again for some time. To remove surface pollution simply wash the decks with a very soft brush with soapy water. Do not use cleaners or stiff brushes, as this will remove the sealer and the 'greying' process will start again!. Quick guide for quantities required for
Motor Yachts
12-14M
4-5 litres of cleaner
4 quarts of sealer
15-18M
6-7 litres of cleaner
5 quarts of sealer
19-25M
8-10 litres of cleaner
7-8 quarts of sealer

Sailing Yachts:
12-14M
3-4 litres of cleaner
3 quarts of sealer
15-18M
5-7 litres of cleaner
5 quarts of sealer
19-25M
10 litres of cleaner
7-8 quarts of sealer

Please note that the above quantities are based upon each vessel having full teak to all deck surfaces. Allowance should be made for having less teak.