Teak Restoration in South Florida.
Dry sanding and wet sanding teak restoration for decks, swim platforms and trim.
We restore teak to a beautiful, raw, smooth finish using professional dry and wet sanding systems. Starting with a heavy grit and working up to a fine grit, we bring teak and caulking down to an even, level surface — removing raised caulking and giving the deck a brand-new look.
About our teak restoration service
AC Detailing offers both dry sanding and wet sanding teak restoration, using the method best suited to your vessel's condition and your desired finish. Our dry sanding process uses palm sanders to work systematically across the deck, starting with a heavy grit — typically around 60 grit — and progressing up to 250 or 320 grit. This graduated approach brings both teak and caulking down to a smooth, even, level finish.
The result is a beautiful, raw, smooth top surface that eliminates raised caulking and restores the deck to a brand-new appearance. Unlike two-part chemical cleaning systems, our sanding process physically levels the surface, correcting uneven wear and giving the teak a uniform look across the entire vessel.
For owners who prefer wet sanding, we offer that approach as well — using water-cooled sanding to reduce heat and dust while achieving a similarly refined finish. Both methods are followed by proper sealing or oiling to protect the restored surface.
What's included
- Dry sanding and wet sanding both available
- Graduated grit system: 60 grit to 250–320 grit
- Eliminates raised caulking for a level surface
- Beautiful, raw, smooth teak finish
- Caulk inspection and edge work
- Even, brand-new appearance across the entire deck
Our teak restoration process
- 1AssessmentWe walk the deck, identify raised caulking, prior coatings and uneven wear, then recommend dry sanding or wet sanding based on the vessel's condition and your desired finish.
- 2Dry sandingUsing palm sanders, we start with a heavy grit — typically 60 grit — to level the surface and remove old coatings. We then work progressively through finer grits up to 250–320, bringing teak and caulking to a smooth, even finish.
- 3Wet sanding (optional)For owners who prefer water-cooled sanding, we offer wet sanding as an alternative. This reduces dust and heat while achieving the same graduated, level finish.
- 4Caulk inspectionLoose, gummy or recessed seams are flagged. Re-cut and re-pour available where needed for a clean, sharp deck edge-to-edge.
- 5Finish coatOil, sealer or multi-coat hard finish applied per owner's choice — with a written re-coat schedule for whatever direction is chosen.
- Faded, blackened or unevenly toned decks
- Yachts with failing Cetol, varnish or old sealer
- Swim platforms, cap rails, helm pods and trim
- Owners wanting either natural weathered or show-glossy finishes
- Professional palm sanders and graduated grit paper (60 to 320)
- Wet sanding equipment and water-cooled sanding systems
- Snappy / Semco / Sikkens teak care lines
- Awlwood MA and Honey Teak hard-coat systems
- Marine-grade caulk for seam repair
- Soft brushes and bronze wool — never steel wool
Frequently asked about teak restoration
What is the difference between dry sanding and wet sanding teak?+
Dry sanding uses palm sanders to progressively level the teak and caulking with graduated grits from 60 up to 250–320. Wet sanding uses water-cooled sanding to reduce dust and heat while achieving the same smooth, even finish. We offer both and will recommend the best approach for your deck's condition.
Will sanding remove raised caulking?+
Yes. The graduated sanding process brings both teak and caulking down to a level, even surface — eliminating raised or uneven caulking and giving the deck a uniform, brand-new appearance.
Should I oil, seal or hard-coat my teak after sanding?+
Oil looks best for the first month and needs frequent refresh. Sealers last 6–12 months. Hard coatings (Awlwood, Honey Teak) look like furniture and last 2–4 years but require recoat sanding when due. We'll walk you through tradeoffs after the restoration is complete.
Can you fix black caulk lines?+
Yes. We assess each seam — most can be addressed during the sanding process. Failed seams are re-cut and re-poured with marine-grade caulk for a clean, sharp deck appearance.
Recent teak restoration work
Ready for teak restoration?
Request a free, no-obligation quote — most owners hear back within a few hours.