Cetol natural with an overcoat of Cetol clear gloss looks a lot like varnish. The fact that you are having trouble telling which is which proves the point. In any event, you can strip Cetol with a heat gun and a scraper just like varnish. If you're going to strip it anyway it doesn't matter but my guess is the prior owner used varnish on easily removable items like the tiller and hatchboards and Cetol on everything else. As the former owner of a Marshall 18, I vote for teak oil. Cape Cod catboats were work boats, not yachts. -----Original Message----- From: Robbin Roddewig Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2017 11:04 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: how do I tell if Cetol was used on teak? Hi Dave the Cetol was natural and then the clear coat. Not exactly sure as I donated the cans to the local "for free" bin at the marina. He has the Interlux Schooner varnish which I like. Thanks Dave! Robbin Robbin Roddewig robbin.roddewig@verizon.net -----Original Message----- From: Dave Scobie <scoobscobie@gmail.com> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sat, May 13, 2017 10:47 am Subject: Re: M_Boats: how do I tell if Cetol was used on teak? Cetol usually has an orange 'tinge'. You wrote you inherited a can of Ceto. Which version? Also, what is the brand and version for the varnish? :: Dave Scobie On May 13, 2017 8:21 AM, "Robbin Roddewig" <robbin.roddewig@verizon.net> wrote: Hi guys I am working on a boat that has quite a bit of teak. I just got it and do not know what the previous owner used. He sent all his supplies and they included Cetol and varnish. I want to go with just varnish as this is a traditional boat and varnish is my preference. I have used Cetol and I know if works well. My question is if Cetol was used how to I tell? And if it was used I am inclined to strip it with a heat gun and start from bare wood. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! Robbin Marshall 22 Otter, M-23 Pinch Me robbin.roddewig@verizon.net