On many boats, the bridges are covered in teak and other exotic woods. Teak is a rugged wood that offers particularly good weather-resistant qualities. In order to preserve its original look, it should be cleaned with an alkaline detergent, which will also take care of any soot or diesel stains etc.. Then a restorative agent is applied. This is a phosphoric base acid product that usually restores the teak’s original amber shine. This is finished off with a “teak oil”, in fact a sealing agent, which brings up the shine of the wood slightly, and seals out salt and other impurities. Oxalic acid is reserved for very light-coloured bridges.