How to Oil Teak Patio Furniture

When it comes to outdoor furniture, teak is undeniably the leader in desirability, durability and expense. Mellow toned and honey hued, teak’s natural hardwood oils make it resistant to decay and the wood resistant to insect infestation. Sadly, due to the slow maturation of the teak tree, furniture made this lovely wood is pricey and should be tended carefully.

1. Gather your materials. A large bucket, mild soap, a nylon bristled brush, 350-gauge sandpaper, several soft, clean and lint free cotton cloths, a clean 1 to 2-inch paintbrush, household gloves, q-tips, a large container of teak oil of your preferred brand and clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or splashed with oil. Make sure you also have sufficient light to work in and enough space to complete the task comfortably


2. Sand your wood. If your teak has been outside for a long period of time without a cleaning schedule, it may have developed signs of mildew or may have acquired some particularly stubborn stains due to elemental reasons. These stains must be removed via sanding, not scrubbing. To remove the stain or mildew spots, gently and lightly go over the area with fine, 350-gauge sandpaper or sanding glove. Always sand with the grain to avoid damaging your wood and remember to keep your sanding gentle and light in nature to avoid creating gouges or irregularities in the surface of the wood.


3. Inspect the furniture carefully for any areas that might need a light sanding to bring back color or to smooth the surface.


4. Wipe everything down. Once your sanding has been completed, you will need to wipe the surfaces down with a clean, soft cotton cloth. Try to find a lint free cloth to use for your various tasks when tending to your teak. Lint free cloth prevents particles from catching or sticking to the wood, which can help in keeping down the appearance of mildew over time as mildew forms on teak from a mixture of grit, oils and dirt clinging to the teak oil, permitting mildew to grow. 


5. Wash your teakwood furniture. Teak can be cleansed using a soft bristled nylon brush and a mild soap. If you wish, you may use a biodegradable and environmentally friendly household-cleaning product instead. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and carefully scrub down your teakwood, going in direction of the grain, when possible. Permit the wood to dry overnight before continuing. 


6. Oil your wood. Only apply teak oil to a thoroughly clean and thoroughly dry surface as this reduces the chance of the formation of mildew. Using your paintbrush, begin applying the oil working your way from the top to the bottom. The surface should be wetted by the brush without leaving a large surplus of oil behind on the stroke. After roughly 10 to 15 minutes, depending upon the ambient temperature, the oil will become sticky. Wipe the surface of the wood down with a clean cotton cloth, being sure to remove any surplus oil. If more than a single coat of oil is needed. Allow at least an hour between coats to permit the oil time to saturate the wood properly. 


7. Buff your furniture. Once oiled and completely touch dry, take another soft cotton cloth and methodically buff the entire surface of the wood. This will bring your teak to a lovely honey hued sheen and keep it looking better for a longer period of time. It is also recommended that you create a care and cleaning schedule for your furniture based on its use. Typically a thorough cleaning once every spring is considered best practice when otherwise all is well.