Some of the varnishes tested. In all, there were 20 products, one of which, West Marine Wood Pro, is not a varnish but rather a teak treat- ment similar to Cetol and Armada.

In recent years we have forsaken the testing of traditional varnishes for what might generically be called “teak treatments”—mostly oils, urethanes like Honey Teak, and pigmented stains such as Cetol and Armada, and some hybrids such as Smith & Co. Five Year Clear epoxy and urethane treatment. These reports have appeared annually in March (our unofficial spring maintenance issue). The reasons for passing over varnish were mainly the strong perception that three coats of Cetol will last a full season, whereas three coats of varnish might disappear by August 1. …