Teak is one of the most resistant woods and does not need special treatments to preserve itself over time. However, if left untreated, teak furniture tends to take on a light brown, and later silvery-gray hue. Using a stain regularly will allow the teak to retain its original golden brown appearance. Note that the process is not recommended for teak furniture for outdoors or exposed in humid environments, because the impregnating agent encourages the growth of mold.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Impregnate Indoor Teak Furniture
Step 1. Understand the costs and benefits of a primer
Applying a teak wood stain preserves the glossy, brown hue of the furniture, and can make scratches and other damage less visible, as the surface will have a wood-like appearance of the inner layer. become addicted to repeated treatments, at least once every 3 months, to maintain a good appearance. However, if the furniture has never been impregnated, it can remain in good condition for decades.
Warning: manufacturers of teak furniture strongly recommend avoiding giving the impregnating agent on outdoor furniture and on those kept in humid environments. This is due to the greater likelihood of encouraging mold by creating an environment suitable for colony development.
Step 2. Prepare the tools
Place a tarp or newspaper under the teak furniture to catch any dripping liquid. Wear gloves to avoid hand contact with the impregnant, as it can cause irritation. Most teak stains are not very toxic, however long exposure can cause health problems, so working in a well-ventilated area is recommended. Keep the teak impregnating agent away from heat sources, because it can easily catch fire. Choose several clean, disposable rags to use for soaking furniture.
Step 3. Clean the furniture and let it dry if necessary
If the furniture is cleaned regularly, dust it thoroughly. If they look dirty, feel sticky or have a sheen of grime, wash them with mild soap and water, or use a specialized "teak cleaner" product. See the section below for details.
Warning: dry the furniture after cleaning it and leave it for 24-36 hours to remove all the moisture, before applying the stain. Even if the surface moisture has dried, the one under the surface could be trapped by the impregnating agent, altering the hue and longevity of the furniture.
Step 4. Choose a "teak oil" or a "teak sealer"
The "teak oil" products used for this purpose do not actually derive from the teak tree, and their composition may vary from one to the other. Among the common ingredients, tung oil (obtained from the pressing of seeds of Aleurites plants) can be more effective than flaxseed oil. Teak oil is sometimes supplied mixed with an artificial dye or with an additional sealant, so read the label carefully before choosing. A teak sealer typically requires less frequent applications than teak oil, but apart from that, it works in a similar way.
Step 5. Use a brush to apply the teak oil
Cover the wood with regular brush strokes using a large brush. Keep applying the oil until the furniture looks dull and can't absorb more of it.
Step 6. Wait fifteen minutes, then scrub with a cloth
Allow the oil to soak into the wood. You will notice that the oil on the surface takes on a sticky consistency, while the underlying wood absorbs it. Once this happens, or after fifteen minutes, wipe the cabinet with a clean rag, taking care to remove all excess oil. You can use another clean rag to buff the surface once it is dry.
Step 7. Eliminate leaks and drops with mineral oil
Dampen a clean cloth with mineral oil to catch any drops and excess oil. Teak oil can stain other furniture or floors if it is not removed immediately.
Step 8. Reapply regularly
The cabinet will fade if the oil is not reapplied. Reapply the oil once every couple of weeks or months, whenever the color and brightness fade. You can apply an additional layer to enrich the color, but only do so when the surface of the furniture is completely dry to the touch.
Method 2 of 2: Caring for Teak Furniture
Step 1. Simply dust off occasionally if you like the natural color
Furniture will not be damaged if you let it take on a light brown hue, and then an aged silvery color. If you like this look, or do little maintenance, just dust the teak furniture regularly, and wash it from time to time if dirt or a patina of moss builds up.
During initial exposure to the elements, teak furniture may take on an uneven color or show slight cracks. This should also happen over time
Step 2. Instead, clean the teak furniture if you want to restore the color
You can scrub the furniture with a soft bristle brush and hot soapy water to temporarily restore a slightly brighter color. Avoid hard bristles or high pressure water jets, which can damage the teak.
Step 3. Use a specific product for teak for a more decisive cleaning
A specific cleaning product, called teak cleaner, can be used if water and soap are not enough to remove dirt or lighten the color of the furniture. There are two main types of teak cleaners available:
- A teak cleaner in a single solution, which is safe and easy to apply. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush for about 15 minutes. Gently rinse with clean water, using a wood abrasive wool to peel off porosities, and to remove the cleaner. Avoid steel wool, as it can discolor teak.
- A two-part teak cleaner, which is more aggressive to wood, but is quicker and can dissolve stubborn encrustations. Apply the first part, an acid, and wait following the instructions on the package. Wash thoroughly with the second part, which neutralizes the acid, carefully passing it over all surfaces of the furniture.
Step 4. Apply a clear protective layer to prevent damage
If the teak furniture is subject to heavy use or is kept in an area exposed to dynamic activities, it is advisable to protect it from stains with a preventive treatment. A clear protective sealant can be applied at any time when the teak is dry to form a layer on the surface. The application features of this type of product vary according to the brands. Search for "Teak Protectors" or "Clear Wood Coats" suitable for teak and follow the instructions on the package.
Using an oil and a sealant at the same time is controversial, as some believe these products have negative effects when used in combination. Some manufacturers, however, recommend them
Step 5. Consider covering the teak when not in use
One of the positive characteristics of teak is its long life, and this usually renders protection useless. However, a breathable cover such as canvas can make cleaning easier. Never use a plastic or vinyl cover, which retains moisture on the furniture.
Step 6. Wipe the sandpaper over the stains
Some stains, such as red wine or coffee stains, can be difficult to wash off. Instead, remove the top layer of the wood with medium grit sandpaper, then create a smooth surface with fine grit sandpaper once the stain is gone. This will probably improve the appearance of the piece of furniture where you sanded it, because the less superficial layers still contain natural oils.
Warnings
- Teak oil can stain floors, clothes, etc. Take steps to protect things, such as cardboard under furniture before applying a teak stain and an apron and gloves to protect yourself.
- Teak oil is very flammable. Discard rags soaked in teak oil in a garbage can, keeping them away from heat sources.
