Finishing Teak

When considering the finishing of teak, quite clearly it is important to be aware of it’s physical properties.

Teak is a very weather resistant and ultra resilient wood, due in part to its own ‘reservoir’ of naturally produced oil. This helps to self condition it and protect against the harsh demands of a wet and humid climate. Shipbuilders choose teak as a main wood for the decks of their ships for this very reason. Many sunken ships have been raised from the depths of the ocean only to show the teak beautifully preserved and in tact. It’s this property that makes teak more commonly found in its natural unfinished state as there is no functional reason to apply any external finish to the surface.

Some customers however choose to apply additional amounts of this teak oil to achieve a darker more stained look. While this will preserve the “new” look of the furniture, the oil must be reapplied every 2-3 years to maintain this appearance. By leaving the teak in its natural state, a grey patina will develope through oxidization.

Teak originates from hot, humid countries around Asia and Indonesia. For it to survive these conditions, the wood is densely fibred and has natural oils to resist boring insects and the steamy enviornment. Teak is a hard wood with oily fibres and because of these qualities you are restricted in the types of finish that should be used. Using conventional finishes will trap the oil within. And as the oil wicks out, it will come into contact with the coating and affect any finish you may have applied.

This is why their are only two ways to effect a long lasting compatible finish.

1/ Apply additional teak oil. Adding oil will darken the teak.

2/ Leaving the surface alone. Over time it will develope a greying patina.

The amount of oil you will apply will depend on depth of colour you want. and the frequency of applying will depend on weathering.

Health Warning: If you are sanding teak – wear a nose mask to protect from the dust. The fibres are cancerous.