How to Finish With Teak Oil

Teak wood is a highly durable hardwood that is insect and rot resistant. Teak uses include furniture, flooring, decking and wood trim on boats. Teak oil is a protective coating that repels water and shields teak wood from sun and weather. Finishing with teak oil helps prevent the wood from staining, aging and turning to a silvery gray. Generally, teak oils contain boiled linseed oil or tung oil as the main ingredients. Some teak oils also include mold inhibitors and chemicals that filter harmful ultraviolet rays.

• 1

  Wash the teak surface with a commercial wood cleaner to remove dirt and stains. If the wood was previously sealed, sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to remove varnish, polyurethane or other wood sealants prior to washing.

• 2

  Rinse the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Drying times vary depending on temperatures and outside weather conditions.

• 3

  Dip a lint-free cloth, soft natural-bristle paintbrush or short-napped roller into the teak oil to saturate and apply the oil onto the teak surface, following the wood grain.

• 4

  Allow the teak oil to sit on the wood surface according to manufacturer's directions, generally 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the brand.

• 5

  Rub the surface with a clean lint-free cloth to remove excess oil, following the wood grain.

• 6

  Repeat as necessary to achieve the desired finish. Allow each coat to dry for four to six hours between applications.