Chris wrote:
According the their web site (excerpts below), Le Tonkinois
is the best thing ever, much better than any other varnish.

A question to those who have used it:
Is it just great, or just snake oil?

I am looking for the best treatment for teak trim on a plastic boat.

Thanks!


Le Tonkinois frequently asked questions.

What is it and how is it better than my normal brand?
Le Tonkinois is an environmentally friendly natural oil based
varnish that actually does what the other brands claim to do.

Is it any good for boats?
Far better than most, on boats in fresh water sea or sludge, Le
Tonkinois is an old traditional marine varnish, used long before
they invented the stuff that falls off.

What about Ultra Violet?
Le Tonkinois is highly resistant to Ultra Violet. Its natural
materials protect both the varnish and the wood below. We have no
reported problems in our 10 years experience with Le Tonkinois.
However a sample exposed untouched for 10 years has shown an
increasing yellowing. Where we added an extra coat every 3 years no
deterioration is visible.

What about using it on Teak?
Ideal for teak, mahogany, oak etc. Modern varnishes do not adhere
to woods which contain a lot of natural oils and flake off very
quickly. Le Tonkinois bonds well to these woods including Teak,
Iroko, Pitch pine and similar if the surface is "degreased" first to
allow the necessary penetration of the first coat. It also copes
brilliantly with Oak, which is notorious for its own special
problems.

What about impact damage?
It has a tough durable coat which withstands abrasion and impacts.
It doesn't peel or crack. Areas subject to severe abrasive pressure
are easily repaired without affecting surrounding areas.

How long does it last?
Le Tonkinois provides long lasting protection. It does not need
regular stripping and re-varnishing, simply add another coat every
few years to extend the life.

Does it allow wood to breathe?
Wood expands and contracts through temperature and atmospheric
changes, a process timber experts refer to as breathing. The
flexibility of Le Tonkinois allows for this where others fail.

There are quite a few of these on the market. I use Sikken's Cetol Marine.