If you’re a lover of midcentury modern design, you probably have a few pieces of teak begging for a refresh. A staple in midcentury furniture, teak is more commonly oiled rather than varnish sealed and needs to be treated seasonally, about every 4 months for indoor use. The durable wood is also known for its versatility in outdoor furniture, even being used in high wear areas like bathrooms, kitchen, and on boats (These need to be cleaned and prepped more often to keep its watertight finish). Here’s how to treat your teak quickly and properly to enjoy it for years to come.
Materials
- Teak oil
- Soft nylon bristle brush
- Bleach
- Mild Detergent
- Water
- Paintbrush
- Tack cloth
- Newspaper or drop cloth
Prep Your Surface
You’ll need a clean, dry surface to let the oil seep into. Wipe off any dust and loose dirt with a dry tack cloth. If your teak hasn’t been treated in a while or has build-up from outdoor and water use, make a mild cleaner to remove it: Mix 1 cup water water with a tablespoon of mild detergent and a teaspoon of bleach.
Place furniture on a drop cloth to prevent staining floors. Using gloves, apply the cleaner with the nylon brush, careful to dislodge the dirt gently. Too much pressure will cause abrasions on the surface. Rinse well and leave to dry.
Seal Your Furniture
Once dry, place the piece back on newspaper or a drop cloth. Using a paintbrush, apply teak oil liberally in even strokes. If the oil begins to puddle or drip, wipe it with a clean tack cloth. Leave to cure for at least 6 hours or overnight. Repeat every 4 months or when build-up occurs.
Should your piece have an uneven coat, smooth it with a tack cloth soaked in mineral spirits and let dry.
Post time: Dec-24-2021
