Refinishing Teak

Ok first we have to share last night's sunset with you.

I know.  It is amazing. And this is an iphone picture.  Amazing.  It deserves its own post.

Secondly, we are refinishing our teak.  After 16 months, it is shot to hell.  The lacquer was very warm and inviting on the teak a year ago, but the elements have beaten the warmth out of it.  We sanded down the varnish until the black weathered teak could no longer be seen.  We are applying layers of high gloss varnish now.  How many layers?

Neighbor Wilson says he has 10 layers on his teak.  His 10-layer-job is only 4 months old.  We'll see what it looks like in one year.  Another dock neighbor said his have 4 layers.  His are a year old and they look it.

We have settled on a cordial 5 layers.  And we are just expecting to have to do this every 16 months.  Some online research has suggested that applying a single touch-up coat or even some basic teak oil every other month will make the job last longer. Not sure if that is more or less work but may give it a try.