Those who love to do DIY often decide to use an "oil" based product, such as teak oil, to finish a woodwork and kitchen cabinets are at the top of the list. The reason why many beginners prefer an oil-based finish is that it is enough to spread it out with a cloth and therefore it seems easy to apply. But before moving on with this project, there are a few things you should know about teak oil finishes.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Understanding how to use teak oil
Step 1. Know the ingredients of teak oil products
First of all, there is very little oil in any container of teak oil on the market. They are mixtures of mineralized alcohols and paint to which a minimal amount has been added.
- In the jargon of the construction of wall units we speak of "rub-off paint" precisely because of its main content. You can call it a diluted paint that contains some teak oil.
- To achieve a pleasing result, this type of finish should only be applied to raw wood. The wood itself can also be stained as long as the stain has dried completely before applying the oil to it.
Step 2. Before applying the teak oil remove the previous finish
Applying teak oil to old finishes, such as varnish, lacquer, polyurethane or shellac, would make the surface sticky and would take months to fix.
- If the previous finish is removed completely, the raw wood will give much better results.
- The oil finishes are designed to penetrate the pores of the raw wood. Applying them to a surface finished with anything other than original teak oil would make no sense.
Step 3. Don't believe in advertising
When you see an advertisement on television for a polishing or oil-based product to be used to "nourish" or "revitalize" your furniture, know that it is fake! You cannot "feed" finished wood with these products. They are silicone-based products that create a glossy patina on the surface.
Step 4. Take precautions
Always use safety glasses when engaged in any home improvement work. If using a solvent-based finish, work in a well-ventilated area and wear a face mask.
Step 5. Stock up on the necessary materials
To apply teak oil to your kitchen cabinets you will need:
- Teak oil finish (enough for several layers. Check package details)
- Very fine steel wool (# 0000)
- Several sheets of 600 grit silicon carbide sandpaper
- Protective sheets for the work area
- Clean cloths (old T-shirts are fine)
- Bucket or large metal container half filled with water
- Empty metal can such as coffee
- Mineralized alcohols
- Flat head screwdriver
- Painters masking tape
- Trestles or other elevated surfaces for finishing cabinet doors
- Household glass cleaner
Part 2 of 4: Surface preparation
Step 1. Remove the doors
If the wall units are already installed, unscrew the hinges, remove the doors and set them aside. Since you spread the finish with a cloth, with the doors disassembled it is easier to check the application.
You can also decide to leave the doors on the wall unit, but if you remove them you make your job easier
Step 2. To protect the edges of the cabinets, apply painters tape
Apply masking tape to the wall around the wall cabinets to protect the wall paint, a strip or two should suffice.
If by chance the teak oil touches the wall, immediately clean it with a "stain" of mineralized alcohols
Step 3. Sand the surface of the wall cabinets with steel wool
If the cabinets have a previous finish, use # 0000 steel wool and sand all surfaces. This takes some time, but it is important that you do a thorough job.
After sanding, clean the surface with glass cleaner and then dry it
Step 4. Wipe surfaces with mineralized alcohols
Dampen a cloth with mineralized alcohols and clean the surfaces. Dry and let it rest for about ten minutes until the alcohols have completely evaporated.
Part 3 of 4: Apply Teak Oil
Step 1. Pour about half a liter of teak oil into the metal coffee can
Make sure there is no water inside. Dip a clean cloth in the oil and press it onto the outside of the jar to remove any excess.
Step 2. Spread the oil by wiping from top to bottom
Start at the top of the cabinet and work downward from the nearest wall.
- Apply in vertical stripes until the entire surface is covered making sure the cloth is always wet.
- Work only one wall unit at a time, always starting from the exposed end. The front parts will come later.
Step 3. Check that the oil does not drip and wait for the first layer to dry
If you notice any drops, use the cloth to incorporate them into the finish then move on to the second cabinet and continue like this until you have passed the first coat on all of them.
Let it dry by following the instructions on the oil package. If they suggest that you remove the excess before the layer is dry, follow their directions
Step 4. For ports use the same method:
first the correspondence and then the application. The doors will take a longer time since you will have to work on their inside and outside.
- Do not give in to the temptation to skip the inner surface with the excuse that "no one will see it". An unfinished surface absorbs moisture from the air and can warp doors.
- With doors, however, you can limit yourself to just one base layer and one finish layer that seals the wood.
Part 4 of 4: Apply subsequent coats and clean surfaces
Step 1. Apply subsequent layers as directed on the teak oil package
A minimum of three layers and a maximum of four is recommended.
- Before applying the last coat, sand the penultimate surface with 600-grit silicon carbide sandpaper while it is still wet. You can also dip the sandpaper into the jar of teak oil and wet sand.
- Now apply the final layer as before and once it is dry, you will have a smooth and shiny finish.
Step 2. Let the cabinets dry before replacing the doors
The wall cabinets must be completely dry before you can put the doors back or you will leave fingerprints on the finish. When they are dry, carefully put the doors back.
Step 3. Consider the importance of cleaning everything properly
Cleaning properly after using teak oil or any other oil finish is extremely important. These finishes have a unique feature: the cloths used to apply them can self-ignite!
- When they are soaked in this product, never throw the clothes in the bin or on the floor. Always put them in the metal bucket and wait for them to soak completely in water. Leave the bucket in a safe place for several hours.
- Rinse the cloths with clean water and then dispose of them properly. It is a process that takes some effort, but it will prevent you from starting a fire.
Advice
- While applying the oil, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- For wall units already finished with a similar product, a couple of coats applied on the previous finish will suffice.
- To finish the external side of any drawers, simply remove them from the wall unit starting from the last one at the bottom.
