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How To Care For Teak Furniture

How often should you oil teak furniture?

Teak wood on indoor furniture should be oiled every 3 to 4 months. Oil can be applied with a lint-free cloth (don’t use paper towels because they can scratch the wood) or fine triple-zero steel wool.

How do you keep teak looking new?

To keep the teaks natural color an annual treatment is recommended. Wash the teak furniture thoroughly with a dish soap and water solution with a soft bristle brush, going with the grain. Allow to dry in the sun for two weeks to open up the grain before moving to the next step.

Is teak furniture high maintenance?

Teak furniture is unique because it produces its own natural oil that makes it very low maintenance in comparison to other types of outdoor wood furniture. Furthermore, teak oil prevents water and moisture from sinking into the wood that can cause dry rot.

What is the best way to clean teak furniture?

To clean teak, use either a manufacturer’s suggested product or try a 2:1 ratio of laundry detergent with bleach and water, applied with a soft bristle brush. Rinse your teak pieces with water to remove any dirt residue or leftover suds.

How do you keep teak from turning gray?

Golden Sealer Maintain the color of new teak and prevent weathering to gray. Formula contains UV protectants, mildew inhibitors and pigments. To restore weathered teak, first clean teak furniture with Teak Cleaner and then apply Golden Sealer to prevent re-graying.

Does teak need to be sealed?

You should never oil sealed teak—it’s unnecessary since the sealant will already preserve the wood’s color. Applying teak oil could also reverse the sealant’s effect and promote the growth of fungus and mildew.

What does teak look like over time?

Patina. Over time, the surface of the teak wood often develops a patina, which is typical for the aging process in this type of wood. Over the years, the honey-brown and previously very conspicuous wood discolors, it becomes more colorless and inconspicuous.

Can you paint or stain teak wood?

Yes. You can paint teak wood. It is easy to paint, and you are at liberty to choose your preferred colors. Although the wood’s oils inhibit paint adhesion and may bleed through the finishes, a touch of paint will give your outdoor setting the needed refresh.

Can you apply teak sealer over teak oil?

You can apply a teak sealer to oiled teak. However, it is best not to apply the sealer over freshly oiled teak. Instead, allow the teak to dry for one to two weeks by sitting in an outdoor or well-ventilated and sunny area.

Can you use Murphy’s oil soap on teak wood?

Use a natural product like Murphy® Oil Soap to get rid of dirt and grime that has built up on outdoor furniture over the winter. With the right cleaning practices and a gentle hand, you can keep your outdoor teak furniture looking great.

Can teak furniture be left outside in winter?

Teak furniture can be left outdoors uncovered all 12 months of the year, no matter where you live. If you choose to cover your teak furniture during winter, use a material that allows the wood to breathe. If you put your furniture away for the winter, do not store it in a heated room.

Can you stain teak wood black?

The raw teak wood and black legs combination just felt a little out of place. But before you reach for black paint–BLACK STAIN ADDS SO MUCH MORE INTEREST when you have a really beautiful wood.

Is it OK to sand teak wood?

Teak wood dries rather quickly so once the teak wood is dry, it can be sanded to smooth out the grain and the roughness that occurs after it is cleaned. Use an 80-grit sandpaper first to knock down the grain and then use a 120-grit sandpaper to make the teak wood smooth and ready for finish.

Does teak get moldy?

Teak can withstand many of Mother Nature’s extreme highs and lows without cracking or warping. It’s also resistant to mold and rot. However, this doesn’t keep mildew from accumulating on the surface of your teak.

Can weathered teak be restored?

Teak oxidizes and turns gray quickly, and while some people find this attractive, others prefer the honey-tan hues of fresh teak. You can often restore weathered teak just by sanding it, but if the discoloration goes deep, or if there is a surface layer of mold, it may be easier to scrub it with a cleaner.

What do you seal teak wood with?

For those who really want their teak furniture to have a golden color, a teak sealer (such as Semco) is probably the best option. It provides long lasting protection from the UV damage and oxidation that affect the color of teak wood. And it doesn’t come with the possible drawbacks of an oil treatment.