Teak left in its natural state, is virtually maintenance-free. It can be left outside all year round, surviving even the most extreme weather conditions. New teak will experience natural oil surfacing that appears like a “watermark” or irregular pattern of discolouration. These areas are part of the natural maturing process and can be removed with gentle washing with a mild detergent. Being a natural material, teak may change colour or even crack due to humidity levels and sudden changes in temperature. Over time, untreated teak furniture which is exposed to sun and rain will turn silver grey. This process is cosmetic and does not harm the strength or quality of the wood. To avoid the annual cleaning of the wood, you can apply Teak Sealer. Teak Sealer contains UV protection to slow down the greying from the sun as well as a fungicide to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. Teak Sealer can be applied to new teak or old teak furniture after it has been cleaned. If Teak Sealer is applied every season, a simple cleaning with water and a mild detergent will do for years. Teak Sealer is a sealer and is not the same as varnish. It is breathable, letting the natural oils escape without bubbling or peeling like varnish.  

Use of varnish and oil on teak
Teak is protected by its own natural oils that migrate to the surface of the wood and make the wood virtually impervious to water. As such, the use of varnish and oil (especially linseed oil) on teak furniture is not recommended. Products such as varnish and polyurethane may peel and chip and require vigorous sanding to remove. Oiling teak does not prevent the wood from graying, and often results in mould and mildew growing on the furniture. Removing mould and mildew on the surface requires washing the furniture with bleach and soap followed by sanding. G&G Italia and authorities from the timber profession itself tend to advise against the use of teak oil.

Oil stains on cushions
Because teak does not absorb water and is rich in natural oils and silicates, the weathering process includes oil surfacing. This teak oil can cause stains on cushions. Fabric stained by natural teak oil can be cleaned with soap and water or a special eucalyptus-based cleaner. Please be aware oil surfacing is a naturally repeating process that cannot be prevented. deposit, without colouring the wood. We recommend to apply it after each cleaning.

Removing Fresh Oil Stains from Teak Wood

Oil stains from teak wood have to be removed immediately as teak wood absorbs oil quickly. The following procedures will work on the stains.

Detergent Solution

First, blot the stained area using paper towel or a clean cloth and keep pressing on that stained area until the oil is soaked completely. Make a solution by adding some mild detergent to a bowl of warm water. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the detergent and with a cloth, rub the stained area. If the stains are tough, you can also use a soft brush. Then, with another clean cloth clean the area properly. Also make sure the area is being dried after the cleaning by leaving it to dry naturally. 

Ammonia

Mix well in a bowl 4 parts of hot (but not boiling) water and 1 part of ammonia and clean the stained area with a cloth by slightly rubbing to remove the stain. You can also use a soft brush but gently until the stains are gone.  Repeat the process until the stains are completely gone. Then wipe with a clean cloth or rinse and leave to dry.

Paint Thinner

Take a soft cloth and soak it with spirit. Squeeze the cloth to remove excess solution. Wipe out the areas well and keep repeating until the stains are fading away, then leave to dry.