Caring For Your Teak Furniture

The type of teak care you select will depend on whether you prefer to maintain the warm, golden honey colour of new teak or the elegant silvery-grey tone that develops as the wood weathers. To preserve the golden appearance, apply a Teak Protector. If you prefer to keep the soft silver finish, use a Teak Shield, which helps lock in that colour while also protecting the surface from moisture, stains, and the effects of weather exposure.

You can easily brighten and restore teak furniture that has weathered to a silvery grey by first using a Teak Cleaner to refresh and lift the surface. Once the wood looks cleaner and lighter, applying a Teak Shield will help seal the surface and preserve the silvery-grey colour for longer, while also providing protection against moisture, dirt, and the effects of weather.

Yes, teak can be left outdoors throughout the year, whether it has been treated or not. However, using teak cleaners, sealers, and shields can help maintain the wood’s natural golden appearance and provide added protection against the effects of sun, rain, and changing weather conditions. These treatments slow down the natural silvering process and extend the lifespan of your teak by reducing the impact of moisture, UV rays, and environmental wear.

Teak can be restored and refreshed to look beautiful at any time of the year. However, it is recommended to carry out treatments either before storing the furniture away for winter or at the start of the summer season. This ensures the wood is well-protected against changing weather conditions and looks its best when you are most likely to use and enjoy it.

Teak naturally fades from its original golden-brown colour to a silvery-grey over time, as the wood’s natural oils dissipate and it is exposed to weather and UV rays from the sun. Many people appreciate this weathered look, and a Teak Shield can be used to enhance and maintain a brighter, more polished silver-grey appearance.

If your teak furniture has been outdoors for several months and has begun to turn grey, it is important to treat it with Teak Protector as soon as possible. Using Teak Cleaner followed by Teak Protector will help restore the wood’s natural colour, but applying a protector before the furniture starts to grey requires considerably less effort and helps maintain its original honey-gold appearance for longer.

Some people prefer the elegant silvery-grey colour of weathered teak over the golden-brown of newer furniture. Achieving this look is simple: leave the furniture outdoors for 4 to 8 weeks and allow the natural golden hue to fade. Once the wood begins to pale, you can apply a Teak Shield to enhance and maintain the silvery-grey finish, giving your furniture a polished and consistent appearance.

Some older teak furniture may appear very dark grey or dull if it has not been properly maintained. Fortunately, thanks to teak’s hard-wearing nature, this can be easily reversed using a combination of Teak Cleaner and Teak Shield. Start by lightly sanding the surface to remove the darkest patches and any rough areas. Then apply Teak Cleaner to restore the wood’s brightness, followed by a Teak Shield to seal and protect the surface, leaving your furniture looking refreshed and almost like new.

Teak Protector is designed to preserve the fresh look of brand-new teak furniture. For those who prefer the natural honey-gold colour of teak, applying a protector helps slow down the natural weathering process that turns the wood silvery-grey over time. In addition to maintaining the warm golden tone, Teak Protector also provides protection against UV rays from the sun, helping your furniture retain its vibrant appearance for much longer.

Teak Protector is specially formulated to preserve the look of teak and lasts significantly longer than natural teak oils. Furniture treated with teak oil will typically begin to turn grey again within 4 to 8 weeks, whereas Teak Protector helps maintain the desired appearance for much longer. Unlike many traditional teak sealers, which often contain highly flammable and environmentally harmful ingredients, Teak Protector is 100% water-based, making it a safer and more eco-friendly choice.

We strongly recommend against using teak oil - or any other oils, including linseed, tung, and Danish oils—on our furniture. These oils destroy teak’s naturally occurring protective oils, leaving the wood dependent on continuous reapplications to prevent it from drying out. Once you start oiling teak garden furniture, you’ll need to continue indefinitely. Teak oil also increases the likelihood of mildew growth and black spots, and teak that has been oiled tends to colour unevenly as it ages. For these reasons, using Teak Protector is the preferred method to maintain both the beauty and longevity of your teak furniture.

Varnishes and other surface coatings sit on top of the wood, which makes them more prone to chipping, peeling, or wearing away over time. In contrast, Teak Protector penetrates deep into the grain of the wood, providing a natural finish that closely resembles the original appearance of brand-new teak. Because it is absorbed rather than sitting on the surface, Teak Protector cannot chip, scratch, or wear away, ensuring long-lasting protection while maintaining the wood’s authentic look.

Teak Protector is generally expected to maintain the look and colour of teak furniture for an entire season without the wood turning black or grey. To keep your furniture looking its best, it is recommended to reapply the Protector after each season, ensuring the colour remains vibrant and the wood continues to be protected against weathering and environmental wear.

Teak Protector is water-based, so it typically dries in less than an hour. Once dry, your furniture will be ready for use in just a couple of hours, allowing you to enjoy your refreshed teak without long waiting times.

If you choose to apply Teak Protector over plants, grass, or delicate surfaces, it is important to use a suitable covering to protect them, as the product can have an impact on vegetation. Teak Protector may also affect certain types of paving, so take care to shield any surfaces you want to keep clean and unaffected during application.

Water-based waxes are safe to use on furniture treated with Teak Protector and will not affect the finish. However, waxes that contain solvents, such as acetone, can weaken or even dissolve the Protector, so these should be avoided to maintain the integrity and longevity of the treatment.

While Teak Protector offers some protection against stains and helps to preserve the colour of the wood, certain stains may still penetrate through the treatment. For more permanent or heavy-duty stain protection, it is recommended to use Teak Shield, which provides a stronger barrier against spills, dirt, and other potential staining agents.

Teak Protector is formulated to brighten and enhance the natural colour of new teak without noticeably changing its appearance. Unlike teak oils and some sealers, which can create a darker reddish-brown or orange tint, Teak Protector maintains the wood’s authentic honey-gold tone while providing long-lasting protection.

Teak Protector should not be applied with sponges or sprays, as these methods can result in uneven coverage. For the best results, use a clean, dust-free cloth to apply the product evenly across the surface. This method ensures a consistent finish while avoiding issues such as cracking, blistering, or streaking.

While the finish of your furniture after applying Teak Protector is generally very pleasing, it is removable if needed. To do so, lightly sand the surface using fine sandpaper and some elbow grease. To avoid any surprises, it is a good idea to test Teak Protector on a small, inconspicuous area first - such as the back of a leg or underneath the furniture - so you can ensure you are happy with the final appearance before treating the entire piece.

If a piece of furniture has previously been treated with oil or teak sealer, applying Teak Protector directly can cause a reaction that may lead to severe discoloration. To avoid this, it is strongly recommended to clean the teak thoroughly using a quality Teak Cleaner before applying Teak Protector. This ensures the surface is free of residues and ready to accept the protector evenly, preventing unwanted colour changes.

You can apply Teak Protector even if the furniture has some sawdust or debris on it, but leftover particles can create bumps and rough patches, resulting in a less smooth and appealing finish. For the best results, use a dry, rough sponge to remove any sawdust, grass, or other debris from the surface before applying Teak Protector, ensuring an even and flawless coating.

Teak Protector will not damage the metal fixtures on your furniture. However, it can temporarily sit on the surface of the metal, making them appear less bright or clean. If any Protector comes into contact with the fixtures during application, it can be easily removed with a little warm water while the product is still wet, restoring the metal to its original shine.

Teak Cleaner is a specially formulated solution designed to clean and restore teak furniture. It removes dirt, grime, and surface stains while also eliminating mould and mildew spores. Teak Cleaner helps to refresh the wood’s natural colour, making it easier to maintain and prepare for treatments such as Teak Protector or Teak Shield. It is safe to use on both new and weathered teak and is an essential step in preserving the beauty and longevity of your teak furniture.

The easiest way to clean teak with minimal scrubbing is to use a quality Teak Cleaner, which not only removes dirt and debris but also eliminates any mould or mildew spores present on the surface. Warm, soapy water can also be used, though it may require more effort to achieve a completely clean finish. Once the teak is clean, it is recommended to apply either a Teak Shield or Teak Protector to seal and preserve the wood for the rest of the season, maintaining its appearance and protection against weathering.

Even weathered teak remains structurally sound and can last for many years without intervention. However, if you prefer a neater, more uniform appearance, you may lightly sand any rough or uneven patches using fine sandpaper. Do not use an electric sander, as this can cause irreversible damage to the wood. Once the surface is smooth, clean the teak with a quality Teak Cleaner and a sponge, following the same process as you would for new furniture.

It is recommended to clean your teak furniture at the end of each season to maintain its fresh appearance. Even teak that has previously been sealed or oiled should be cleaned with a quality Teak Cleaner. In particular, oiled teak must be thoroughly cleaned before applying Teak Protector, as any remaining oil can react with the protector and compromise the look and finish of the furniture.

Teak Cleaner can potentially affect the surface beneath your furniture, such as decking, paving, or grass. To prevent any damage or staining, it is always safest to lay down a protective sheet before applying the cleaner. This ensures that only the teak is treated and the surrounding area remains unaffected.

To restore teak furniture to its best appearance, both a teak cleaner and a teak brightener can be applied. Our Teak Cleaner conveniently contains both functions in a single product, so you only need to use one treatment to clean, brighten, and refresh your teak furniture effectively.

Dark or black spots can sometimes appear on teak furniture and may only become noticeable during cleaning. These spots are caused by mould and mildew, but they can be completely removed using a quality Teak Cleaner. For more stubborn spots, lightly sand the affected area before applying the cleaner. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply Teak Protector to help prevent the problem from recurring and to maintain the wood’s natural appearance.

Teak Shield is a protective treatment designed to enhance and preserve the appearance of teak furniture. It provides a nearly invisible layer that protects the wood against moisture, stains, dirt, and mildew, while maintaining or enhancing a natural silvery-grey patina. Unlike oils or traditional sealers that sit on the surface, Teak Shield penetrates the wood minimally, offering protection without altering the wood’s authentic texture. It is water-based, easy to apply, and helps keep teak looking beautiful while making it easier to maintain.

Teak Shield provides an almost invisible protective layer on the surface of teak, helping to prevent common food stains - such as coffee, ketchup, and red wine - from penetrating the wood. In addition, Teak Shield offers protection against moisture, dirt adhesion, and mildew growth, while enhancing and maintaining a natural silvery-grey patina on the teak. This ensures your furniture remains both beautiful and easier to maintain over time.

Before applying Teak Shield on new teak, allow the furniture to sit outdoors for at least one week. This helps the wood acclimate and ensures optimal absorption of the product. Once the teak has been exposed, follow the instructions provided for correct application to achieve the best results.

Weathered teak should be thoroughly cleaned with a quality Teak Cleaner before applying Teak Shield. If the wood feels slightly rough, lightly sand the surface to create a smooth finish prior to treatment. For full application instructions and best practices, refer to the guidance provided on the product bottle.

We recommend applying Teak Shield to teak furniture at least once per year to maintain protection and appearance. For tabletops or other high-use surfaces, more frequent applications may be necessary depending on the level of use, to ensure continued resistance to moisture, stains, and dirt.

It is possible to apply Teak Shield over surfaces that have already been treated with Teak Protector. Doing so can improve water repellency temporarily; however, because Teak Shield cannot fully penetrate the wood once Protector has been applied, the effect is short-lived. As a result, treatments will need to be repeated more frequently to maintain optimal protection.

Although Teak Shield is water-based, it dries quickly. The polymer ingredients in the product interact with the wood fibers, causing it to cure rapidly. After applying the first layer, allow approximately four hours before applying a second coat; in humid climates, a slightly longer drying time may be required. Once the second layer is applied, wait 48 hours before using the furniture. The full curing process, as the Shield reacts with moisture in the air, will be completed roughly one week after application, ensuring maximum protection and durability.

Teak Cleaner can remove Teak Shield if necessary. After the product has been cleaned off and the wood has dried, you can also lightly sand the surface to restore a smooth finish, preparing it for reapplication or other treatments.

Weathered teak should be thoroughly cleaned with a quality Teak Cleaner before applying Teak Shield. If the surface feels slightly rough, lightly sand the wood to create a smooth finish prior to treatment. This ensures the Shield adheres properly and provides optimal protection.