Teak table maintenance
If you are going to buy a teak table or you have just bought a teak table it is always difficult to decide whether it should be treated. Below are some possibilities.
Teak table maintenance
1. Do not treat teak table
If you do not apply a protective layer to your table, you may get grease stains. However, these can easily be removed with a piece of sandpaper. You can simply wipe your table with a damp cloth. Another advantage is that the table retains practically the same colour (all wood darkens over time). Teak contains a natural oil, which is why the wood is also very suitable for outdoor use. This oil also provides its own protective layer, it is a very greasy type of wood.
2. Clean teak table with green soap
The natural oil in the teak wood in combination with green soap provides a natural look and prevents grease stains. In addition, the wood discolours minimally. The table should be wiped daily with a damp cloth with green soap. This is also how we maintain our own dining table and is experienced by many customers as the best option.
3. Treat teak table with woodfix or teakfix
Woodfix or teakfix ensures a minimal colour change of your table. It is still darker than when the table is not treated. The woodfix ensures that your table is protected against grease stains. Depending on use, sand lightly once a year and apply a new layer.
4. Treat teak table with furniture oil or structural oil
The furniture oil or structure oil provides a somewhat darker shade of your table. If you want to keep the original colour of the teak, we recommend green soap. The furniture oil has the advantage that it does not leave grease stains on your table, is stronger than woodfix or teakfix. In addition, you can choose between a matt or high-gloss finish. For the furniture oil, depending on use, it also applies to lightly sanding once a year and applying a new layer.
5. Skylt of Trae Lyx
In recent years, several of our customers have also used Skylt or Trae Lyx. This is a type of two-component lacquer and ensures minimal color change. It is also very strong. The disadvantage is that it cannot be touched up on the spot, if a scratch or the like occurs on the top, it must be completely redone.
Lifestyle and the desired look of your teak table
A weathered teak table made of old teak wood may have some grease stains and a beautiful weathered look. While for a sleek design table it may be nicer if it remains completely smooth and without stains. For example, a wall table is rarely used to put glasses or food on, so they do not need to be treated against grease stains.
Processing advice Woodfix - Teakfix - Structural oil - Furniture oil - Skylt - Trae Lyx
These products can be used for almost any piece of furniture and any type of wood. However, each type of wood will get a different color when it is treated. Therefore, first try it on the back of a drawer or the bottom of a table and see if this is the desired color.
1. First check the furniture for any small cracks/gaps/unevenness. If necessary, sand and fill with (kneadable) wood
2. Break edges etc, sand them down
3. Then apply the first layer with a brush. Don't apply too thickly and rub the brush well. Wipe away excess with a cloth, but let it dry for a few minutes first.
4. Let it dry, at least 4-5 hours until the wood is completely dry again. Note, it should not be below 5 degrees otherwise it will not dry properly. It should also not be too warm, so do not apply in full sun.
5. Then sand very well. This is a lot of work, but very important. Possibly first with a grit 120-160 (depending on sandpaper) then with a finer grit or sanding sponge.
6. Dust and then apply the 2nd coat. This time it will be a little less work than the first time, because the wood does not absorb as much anymore.
7. After the second coat, sand with less coarse sandpaper or immediately with a sanding sponge.
8. Depending on the furniture and use, apply a 3rd layer. For example, for a dining table, the top can be done 3 times, the base needs 2 layers. The 3rd layer is also the least work in comparison. This can also be done with a brush, again not too thickly, and then rub with a cloth. Depending on use and living conditions, sand once a year with a scouring pad and apply a new layer. For a table top, this may only take 15 minutes and you will have a table that looks as good as new.
These are general recommendations, always check the packaging for specific information.
We do not sell these products ourselves. You can find them at meubelproducten.nl, Tisaco Nuth or look online at the various webshops.
