General Care & Maintenance
One of the many advantages of choosing a Permateek synthetic teak deck is that it is easy to maintain. Permateek is made using Ultra Violet stabilised, outdoor grade PVC, unlike real teak it will not fade, crack, warp or need a rigorous maintenance regime to keep it looking good season after season. Below are some simple Do’s and Don’ts which will help you to keep your new synthetic teak flooring looking at its best. Read our teak boat decking maintenance tips below, or find more information on the Permateek Product Warranty.
How to clean the boat floor
Wash your synthetic teak flooring with soap and water. The perfect time to do this is after cruising when you are washing the boat anyway. Your normal boat wash detergent will be fine or a small drop of washing up liquid in the water will do the job equally as well. Should you spill any nasties on the deck such as diesel, acetone or paint, wash these off immediately. For greasy marks such as sun cream or food stains, hot soapy water does the trick.
Use a Nylon brush or non-scratch scourer in conjunction with soap and water, these will help to loosen dirt. A nylon brush is often helpful in releasing stubborn debris from the surface. When using, always move the brush in the direction of the grain.
Sanding synthetic teak flooring
For bad scuffs or small burns such as those caused by a cigarette, or a stubborn stain that has been left to dry, the deck can be lightly sanded by hand with 40 grit sandpaper. This is also effective treatment when an area has worn smooth. Please make sure that when sanding your synthetic teak deck you follow the direction of the grain using short strokes. In some cases, sanding may make the area appear lighter in colour but exposure to sunlight or use of a heat gun on the area will blend the tone. Only sand by hand as using a power sander will warp the grain. If in doubt call us.
Things to avoid
- Incorrect shoes
Black soles may leave marks and scuffs on the decking surface. As with all boat flooring, we recommend wearing deck shoes whenever possible or even no shoes at all – it is non slip boat flooring even when wet. Also, try to limit the use of high heeled shoes on the deck (particularly the men!) as they can dent the surface.
- Spills
Such things as oil, varnish, paint, sealers and lacquers can harm the finish of your marine floor boards, much like they would a real teak deck, and must be cleaned as quickly as possible to avoid damage.
- Dents
Wherever possible, make sure any furniture legs are padded with felt pads and never drag heavy items across the surface of your synthetic deck. The force of such actions could cause a permanent dent or scratch on the surface of your deck.
- Hot objects
Don’t place hot metals or other hot objects on your synthetic teak decking. This can cause heat marks to emerge or even burn the surface of the deck, which can be challenging to remove without sanding the surface.