How to Restore a Teak Patio Table
Teak wood is extremely strong and durable. The wood is used extensively in Asia and associated with exotic and elaborately carved furnishings. The teak woods finishes are created using a fine veneer to patina the teak. Other people prefer the raw teak surface; only oil is used to finish the teak. The durability of natural teak wood allows for no treatment or sealing and the wood will patina to a silver gray in a year.
- Determine the damages and what areas are in need of repair. Depending on the damages several processes are required to restore the table.
- Strip the old paint and veneers from the tabletop. This will require an open space such as a large garage or back yard with a fresh air or excellent ventilation source.
- Apply a special solvent to remove all of the paint and lacquer build up on the table. A hardware store or paint store can recommend a product like Westminster Teak, a complete eco-friendly Teak cleaning system.
- Determine any structural damage to the table. Seal up any cracks or wobbly legs that you have noticed while entertaining around the table. Most work can be completed with some furniture filler and sandpaper. Your local hardware store or paint specialty store can help with this. Sand paper all the wood work areas to a smooth even finish.
- Begin the sealant and painting process. Selecting a clear sealant will allow the natural wood beauty to patina. Then a high gloss clear veneer will give the table an awesome glow. Many prefer an opaque to translucent color on their teak furnishings. Be cautious at the color you select, that it can be changed if you want the natural colors to shine.
- The natural oil is a restorative for the teak table. Orange oil and several other special oils will insure your teak furniture's beauty. Although you may not plan to refinish your teak furniture, the oil and polishing can add years of life and beauty to all of your furnishings.
- Certify your teak purchases and restorations are environmentally safe and grown in a farm area, to protect the slow growing Teak forests from destruction.