How to Apply Teak Oil to Outdoor Furniture - Outdoor Cabinets

Teak oil is a popular finish for outdoor furniture, especially teak furniture. It helps protect and maintain the beautiful golden brown color of teak wood. Applying teak oil properly is important to get the best results. Here is a complete guide on how to apply teak oil to outdoor furniture.

What is Teak Oil?

Teak oil is made from the nuts of the Tectona grandis tree, which is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is commonly used to finish and protect teak wood furniture and other outdoor wood surfaces.

Teak oil works by penetrating deep into the wood grain to provide protection from weathering and moisture. It also enhances the natural color and grain of the wood. When applied correctly, teak oil forms a protective barrier that repels water and prevents cracking, warping and splintering.

Some key benefits of using teak oil include:

Enhances Natural Beauty – It brings out the rich, golden brown color of teak and accentuates the wood grain patterns.
Weatherproofs – It seals the pores in the wood to prevent moisture damage and helps the furniture withstand sun, rain, snow and other elements.
UV Protection – Teak oil contains UV blockers that help reduce sun damage and fading over time.
Low Maintenance – Does not require frequent sanding or refinishing like some other finishes. Only needs reapplication every year or two.
Easy Application – Can be applied easily with a brush or cloth to all types of teak furniture.

What You’ll Need

Before starting the teak oiling process, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:

Teak oil – Use a high quality, 100% pure teak oil made specifically for outdoor furniture.
Paint brushes – Opt for good quality bristle brushes in 2-3″ size. Disposable foam brushes also work.
Clean rags – Have plenty of clean, lint-free cotton rags on hand. Avoid using paper towels.
Gloves – Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Teak oil can stain skin.
Drop cloth – Spread a tarp or painters drop cloth under the furniture.
Stir stick – Use a paint stir stick or wooden skewer to mix the teak oil.
Mineral spirits – Some teak oils may need thinning with mineral spirits before application.
Sandpaper – Medium grit (120-150) sandpaper may be needed if preparing bare wood.
Paint thinner – For cleaning oil soaked brushes after application.

Prepping Teak Furniture for Oiling

Proper prep work before applying teak oil is crucial for getting good results. Follow these key steps:

1. Clean the Teak

Thoroughly clean the teak wood to remove any dirt, dust or debris that could interfere with oil penetration. Pay close attention to crevices, carvings, joints and undersides.

For light cleaning, use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent.
For heavier grime, use a teak cleaner solution. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush.
Rinse off all cleaner residue and let the furniture dry completely.

2. Lightly Sand the Wood

Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the teak wood.
This helps open up the pores for better oil absorption.
Be careful not to sand too aggressively as it can damage the wood surface.
Wipe away all sanding dust with a dry cloth after this step.

3. Remove Old Finish (If Any)

Previously oiled teak will need the old finish removed before re-oiling.
Use a teak sealer & stain remover product first if existing finish is very thick.
Lightly sand with 120-150 grit sandpaper to take off the top layer and any leftover residue.
Wipe clean after sanding to remove all loose finish and dust particles.

4. Check for Damages

Inspect the teak furniture closely for any small cracks, holes or splinters.
Use a sharp blade to trim out any loose fibers or splintered sections.
Fill nail holes and minor cracks with a good quality teak filler product. Let it dry completely.
Sand smooth once dry and wipe clean before oiling.

The teak is now ready for the oil application.

How to Apply Teak Oil

Follow these step-by-step instructions for properly applying teak oil:

1. Prepare the Teak Oil

Stir the teak oil thoroughly before starting. This ensures the natural resins are well mixed in.
Check manufacturer’s directions to see if thinning is recommended. If so, thin by the suggested ratio with mineral spirits.
Place the teak furniture on a drop cloth in a dust free area before starting.

2. Apply First Coat

Use a quality bristle brush to liberally apply the oil across wood grains.
Maintain a wet edge as you brush back and forth to spread the oil evenly.
Allow the oil to soak in for 10-15 minutes. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean rag.
Coat all surfaces – top, bottom, sides, joints, crevices and underside. Don’t miss corners.
Let the first coat dry for at least 24 hours before sanding lightly or applying a second coat.

3. Sand Lightly (Optional)

Lightly sand the dried first coat using 220-320 grit sandpaper.
This helps smooth out the wood grain and allows better absorption of the next coat.
Use a sanding block for flat surfaces. Sand curved edges carefully by hand.
Wipe away all sanding dust with a dry rag after.

4. Apply Second Coat

For the second coat of oil, repeat the same process as the first.
Maintain a wet edge and spread evenly using brush strokes along the wood grain.
Let the oil soak in for 15 minutes before wiping away any excess.
The second coat helps maximize protection and finish.
Allow the oil to cure for 48-72 hours before use.

5. Optional Third Coat

For extra durability, a third coat may be applied after the second coat has cured:

Lightly sand again with fine (320-400) grit sandpaper to ensure adhesion.
Wipe away any dust before brushing on the third and final coat, same as previous coats.
Three coats provides optimal sealing and protection for outdoor use.

6. Remove Excess Oil

After the final coat has cured for 3-5 days, take a clean rag and wipe the entire surface.
This helps remove any oil that didn’t soak in and provides a smooth, even finish.
Buff to a shine using a clean, dry cloth.

Oil Application Tips

Always test on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure proper color and penetration.
Maintain ample ventilation and work in a well ventilated area.
Don’t over saturate – wipe off excess before it gets tacky.
Apply in thin, even coats. Too much at once can lead to a gummy finish.
Use a high quality natural bristle or foam brush. Avoid cheap rolled sleeve brushes.
Work in manageable sections for large furniture items.
Coat end grains extra well, as they tend to soak up more oil initially.
Apply when temps are between 65°F to 90°F for proper drying.
Dispose of oily rags properly to avoid combustion. Hang outside or in water.
Clean equipment with paint thinner or mineral spirits after use.

Curing and Drying Time

Allow a minimum drying time of 24 hours between coats.
Let the final coat cure for 3-5 days before direct use or replacing cushions.
Full curing can take up to 2-3 weeks before the finish is completely hardened.
Curing time varies based on temperature, humidity, ventilation and number of coats.
Do not place heavy items on surface until fully cured to prevent denting.

How Often to Reapply Teak Oil

Reapplication frequency depends on several factors:

Weathering – More exposure to rain, sun and snow means more frequent reoiling.
Use – Heavily used furniture needs reoiling more often than lightly used pieces.
Number of Coats – The more coats initially applied allows longer duration between reoiling.

As a general guideline under normal conditions:

Reoil every year for outdoor furniture with 1-2 coats initially.
Every 1 – 2 years for pieces with 3 coats.
Every 2 – 3 years for indoor teak with 3 coats.

Reapply sooner if you notice the wood drying out or the finish dulling. Regular oiling is the best way to keep your teak furniture looking its best for decades.

Maintenance Between Oiling

Help your teak oil finish last longer by keeping furniture clean between applications.
Rinse off dirt and debris before it gets a chance to build up.
Wipe down with a damp cloth. Use mild detergent sparingly.
Avoid abrasive cleaners which can damage the finish prematurely.
Pay extra attention to undersides and crevices where grime accumulates.
Let teak dry thoroughly before storing away or covering for extended periods.

Removing Teak Oil Finish

If you wish to switch to a different finish, the existing teak oil can be removed:

Stripper Solution – Use a chemical teak stripper product. Apply generously and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing off.
Sand Away – Aggressively sand the teak with 60-80 grit sandpaper to remove the oil penetration from the wood pores.
Replace Wood – As a last resort, you can plane or sand down significantly to expose fresh wood and remove the oil soaked top layer entirely.

Be sure to allow proper drying time before applying a new finish other than oil.

FAQs About Oiling Teak Furniture

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about teak oil application:

How many coats of teak oil should be applied initially?

For outdoor furniture, a minimum of 2-3 coats is recommended for good protection and durability.

What color will teak oil make my furniture?

Teak oil enhances and maintains the rich golden-brown color that teak is known for. It should not significantly alter the original wood color.

Can I use teak oil on acacia or eucalyptus furniture?

Yes, teak oil works well on most outdoor wood furniture including acacia, eucalyptus, cedar and others. Always test a small area first.

How long does teak oil take to dry between coats?

Teak oil dries quickly, within 24 hours typically. Allow 48-72 hours of curing time before use or adding furniture cushions.

What happens if I don’t wipe off excess oil?

Excess oil left on the surface can lead to a tacky, gummy finish. Always wipe off extra oil within 15 minutes.

Can I apply teak oil over an existing finish?

No. For best results, old finishes must be removed prior to applying new teak oil.

Can I use teak oil on furniture that will be placed indoors?

Yes, teak oil is fine for indoor use but 3 coats should be applied for better protection in dry indoor environments.

How long will it take teak oil to cure fully?

Full curing can take 2-3 weeks. Do not place heavy objects during this time to avoid denting.

What temperature should teak oil be applied in?

Ideal application temperature is 65°F to 90°F. Colder weather can inhibit proper curing.

Conclusion

Applying teak oil properly helps maintain outdoor teak furniture for years of use. Follow the preparation, application and finishing tips outlined to get the best results. With the right amount of coats and regular reapplication, a teak oil finish will protect your beautiful wood while keeping its rich color vibrant. Maintain the finish with occasional cleaning between coats. And be sure to use high quality brushes, oil and techniques when applying. Your teak furniture will reward you with decades of stylish, low maintenance enjoyment outdoors.