Teak patio
furniture
requires no preservatives or treatment of any kind to shield
it from the elements. If left outside without oil, the
natural teak will gradually turn a light silver gray color
over time. You will begin to notice the "graying" after about 3 months or
so, depending upon the amount of sun and rain the patio furniture is subject to.
The "graying" is only on the surface layer and can be removed with a
poly-bristle scrub brush and soapy water. However, to maintain the rich
honey color of your teak patio furniture,
simply apply a little teak oil 2 or 3 times per year to maintain or restore
its natural luster.
Oiling your teak patio furniture will help it maintain the rich honey tones of the
teak wood and keeps the patio furniture from weathering to a soft gray color. If
you wish to oil, you should use the following as a guide:
1. Your patio furniture MUST BE
completely dry, otherwise moisture trapped within the teak wood may cause
black mildew spots to appear after oiling. Allow up to 48 hours for your
teak patio furniture to fully dry out after a rain.
2. Ensure the surface of your teak patio furniture is clean and free from dust.
3. If your teak patio furniture has begun to weather, it must be cleaned. Scrub your
teak with a stiff poly-bristle brush and soapy water. Rinse as you
go with a garden hose and allow the patio furniture to fully dry. Then oil.
4. Use true teak oil - do NOT use "finish". True teak oil is
available from a store which would stock marine supplies (teak oil is used
extensively on boats). Some people have asked about using tung oil. That's
okay, too.
5. Apply the teak oil according to its instructions. Generally, you
should apply a light coating of oil to your patio furniture with a clean, lint free rag or paint
brush. One coat is sufficient.
6. Teak oil traps dirt and so darkens with age. Therefore, it will be
necessary to scrub off the old oil and recoat your patio furniture periodically.
One or two times
a year is generally sufficient. Again, simply follow the instructions on
the teak oil label.