Teak is a popular wood used for outdoor furniture because of its natural weather-resistant properties. However, even high-quality teak furniture exposed to the elements will eventually show signs of wear like greying, cracking, splintering and lifting of the grain. With proper care and maintenance, you can restore teak furniture to look like new.
Why Restore Teak Furniture?
Restoring teak outdoor furniture allows you to revive pieces to their original beauty and luster. Here are some key benefits of restoring teak:
- Extends furniture lifespan – Restoration rejuvenates the wood and protects it against further damage from weathering. This helps teak furniture last for decades.
- Enhances aesthetic appeal – Restored teak has a warm, honey-golden color that enhances the natural grain patterns. This restores the elegant refinement teak is prized for.
- Increases value – Properly restored teak furniture has a higher resale value. Restoration also saves the cost of full replacement.
- Eco-friendly – Restoring existing pieces is more sustainable than buying new furniture which has environmental impacts from harvesting wood and manufacturing.
With some time and effort, you can make your weathered teak outdoor furniture look brand new again.
Assessment of Damage
Before starting the restoration process, assess the current condition of your teak furniture to determine the level of restoration needed.
Look for these common signs of damage:
- Greying – This is a buildup of dirt and mildew that causes the golden teak color to turn grey or black.
- Cracks – Small cracks and splits in the wood surface occur from exposure to sun and moisture.
- Grain lifting – The wood grain becomes raised and rough. This splintering effect is from damage just under the surface.
- Weak joints – Joints connecting slats or other pieces may become loose or warped from weathering.
- Previous coatings – Old sealers or finishes may be worn, peeling or patchy. All coatings need removal before restoring.
Determine if the issues involve just surface level cleaning and sealing, or if deeper repairs like sanding out cracks, replacing slats or re-joining pieces are needed. Thorough restoration involves addressing both surface and structural problems.
Clean and Prepare the Surface
Proper cleaning is the first step to reveal fresh wood for restoration. Here is the process:
Remove Furniture Hardware
- Use screwdrivers to remove any hardware attached to the furniture like hinges, pulls, knobs and bolts. Set hardware aside in labeled bags.
Scrub Away Grime and Mildew
- Use a stiff bristle scrub brush and a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Scrub along the wood grain to lift dirt from the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove bleach solution. Allow to dry completely.
Strip Away Old Finish
- Use chemical stripping products formulated for teak to break down and remove existing sealers or top coatings.
- Apply a thick layer of stripper and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub with a plastic bristle brush or plastic putty knife to lift the softened finish.
- Rinse and neutralize stripped wood according to product directions. Let dry.
Smooth and Sand the Surface
- Use 100-120 grit sandpaper to smooth away any remaining finish adhered to the wood.
- Move up through finer 150-180 grit papers to remove scratches and level the surface.
- Sand along the direction of the wood grain to avoid cross-grain scratches.
- Finish by hand sanding with 220-400 grit for a soft, smooth finish.
- Clean away all sanding dust with a vacuum, tack cloth or dry rag.
Once these steps are complete, the teak will have a freshly sanded, smooth surface free of old finish, ready for sealing and protection.
Repair Structural Damage
In addition to surface preparation, inspect for any deeper cracks, warped or lifting wood grain, or unstable joints that require structural repairs:
Fill Cracks and Gaps
- Use a urethane-based crack filler formulated for teak and outdoor use. Apply over clean cracks and gaps following product instructions.
- Let dry completely. Sand smooth and level with surrounding area.
Rejoin Separated Joints
- Disassemble pieces where joints have loosened or separated.
- Clean joint edges then re-join using exterior-grade wood glue formulated for teak.
- Clamp tightly until glue sets fully. Wipe away excess squeeze-out.
Replace Damaged or Worn Slats
- Remove slats that are split, cracked or warped beyond surface repair.
- Cut replacement teak slats to match original dimensions.
- Attach new slats using corrosion-resistant screws, keeping spacing and alignment consistent.
- Fill screw holes with teak filler. Sand replacements flush after drying.
With these repairs complete, the structural integrity of the furniture will be restored.
Apply Teak Sealer
Sealing is important to protect the restored wood from moisture, mildew and UV rays. Follow these tips:
Choose a Penetrating Sealer
Look for an oil-based teak sealer that soaks deep into the pores versus forming a surface film that can peel. Marine-grade sealers formulated for teak are ideal.
Prepare and Apply Sealer Properly
- Make sure wood is fully dry before applying sealer. Follow all product label directions.
- Apply a liberal first coat using a brush or clean rag. Allow to penetrate 15-20 minutes before wiping away excess.
- Let dry 24 hours then apply a second coat. Two coats ensures thorough protection.
Cure New Sealer Fully
Allow sealer to cure 2-3 days before using the furniture. Curing develops maximum water repellency.
- Avoid placing furniture on soggy surfaces during curing which can leach out sealer.
- Lightly sand with 220 grit after curing to smooth any raised grain before applying finish coat.
Maintain Regularly
Reapply teak sealer annually or whenever wood starts looking dry. Frequent light sanding and resealing maximizes protection.
Proper sealing locks in restoration work and prevents future weathering damage.
Apply Protective Top Coat
A top coat protects the sealed wood and provides extra durability:
Consider Clear Outdoor Finishes
- Spar urethane varnish provides a thick protective film and retains the natural look of wood.
- Tung oil deeply penetrates teak while adding a low luster sheen. Multiple thin coats are recommended.
- Teak oil contains UV blockers that reduce greying compared to pure tung oil. Both oils enhance grain patterns.
- Marine varnish formulated for boats or exterior polyurethane offer advanced waterproofing.
Prepare Wood and Finish Properly
- Let sealer cure fully before applying varnish or oil finish.
- Sand wood with 220 grit sandpaper and wipe clean of dust. This helps finish adhere properly.
- Carefully follow all label directions for applying finish coats. Apply thin coats and allow proper drying time between each.
- Lightly sand between coats using fine (320-400) grit paper for best results.
- Allow full cure time before placing furniture outside. Check label for specifics.
Maintain Finish Over Time
- Expect to reapply top coats annually as weathering wears the finish down.
- Make finish reapplication easy by keeping dust off furniture with covers when not in use.
- Routinely clean and inspect for any wear spots and address right away to avoid damage to the underlying wood.
With proper prep and application, a protective top coat will lock in the restored beauty of your teak while offering longevity.
Restore Teak Color (Optional)
If you prefer a richer golden teak color versus natural grey aging, use a teak restorer:
Bleach Away Grayness
- Use an oxalic acid-based teak brightener to bleach away grayness according to product directions. Rinse thoroughly.
- For best results, apply brightener annually at the start of the season to remove any accumulated grey.
Add Golden Tint
- Choose a teak color restorer that contains a transparent golden dye to tone down grey without an artificial orange look.
- Apply restorer as directed after bleaching and allow to penetrate fully before wiping away excess.
- The tint is absorbed into the porous wood and won’t peel or wash away like surface paints. Reapply annually.
Enhance Color Between Applications
- Use an oxalic acid-based teak cleaner weekly during the season to maintain golden color and remove new grey film.
- Agitate with a stiff nylon brush to brighten surface. Rinse thoroughly.
Restoring golden color enhances the warm, inviting look of teak but is not imperative for protection. Consider your color preference.
Tips for Ongoing Care
To keep your restored teak furniture looking its best:
- Wash regularly with soap and water to prevent dirt buildup and mildew growth.
- Wipe spills immediately to avoid stains. Use a mild bleach solution for stubborn stains.
- Rinse away salt residue if furniture is exposed to sea spray which is corrosive.
- Check fittings like hardware, cushions and umbrella fittings and tighten or replace if needed.
- Cover with weather-resistant furniture covers or bring indoors when not in use to minimize weathering.
- Reseal, refinish, clean mildew and restore color annually as needed to maintain the restored look.
With proper care, high-quality restored teak can provide decades of lasting beauty and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean teak furniture?
Use a soft bristle brush and a mild detergent in warm water to gently scrub teak. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Rinse thoroughly. For mildew stains, use a diluted bleach solution followed by rinsing.
How often should you seal teak furniture?
Sealing teak furniture annually is recommended to protect it from moisture damage and prevent graying. Reapply whenever the wood looks dry or shows signs of weathering.
Can you restore teak furniture without sanding?
Light sanding is recommended because it smooths and prepares the wood for penetrating sealers. Thorough cleaning to remove dirt, mildew and old finish can be done without sanding using chemical strippers.
What color should restored teak furniture be?
Teak can range from light to dark honey-golden brown depending on the natural color variations in the wood. Restoration aims to remove grayness caused by weathering back to the wood’s natural warm brown tones.
Is polyurethane good for outdoor teak furniture?
Exterior-grade polyurethane is an excellent protective topcoat for outdoor teak furniture. The waterproof protection helps maintain the restored look. Spar urethane formulated for exterior use provides superior UV resistance compared to regular polyurethane.
Conclusion
With the right approach and high-quality products, you can successfully restore tired teak furniture to look and function like new again. TheKEYS are thorough cleaning, structural repairs, sealing the wood properly and adding protective topcoats. Invest a little time each season to keep your restored teak furniture looking beautiful for many years of use and enjoyment.