[BigLew]

Teak can be painted, but must be properly prepared before applying the primer coat. The challenge is that teak has a high level of oils in it and that must be removed from the surface before painting. You should check what to use, but I think it is acetone.

Wipe done the areas to be painted to remove the oil, allow to dry and then apply the paint paint, varnish, etc. I would substantially thin the first coat in order to get as much penetration as possible so that the physical bonding of the paint is maximized, in addition to the adhesive qualities of the paint. The oils in the teak will migrate to the paint and tend to weaken the adhesive nature of the bond.

There are more detailed instructions out there. Just do a search. Good luck.