Nothing is more stressful than seeing mold buildup or a silver-gray patina on your teak furniture. If you left it outside without maintaining it, welcome to the club. I recently learned that outdoor teak furniture requires care, such as applying a teak sealer, to maintain its beauty and strength.
To apply teak sealer, you must first ensure the wood furniture is clean. After washing, wait for the surface to dry. Then, put on the teak sealer with a foam brush or cloth. Wipe off excess product before leaving the teak wood to dry.
Below, I’ll cover the step-by-step process of applying teak sealer on wooden furniture. I’ll also cover the benefits of this product.
How to Apply Teak Sealer?
Using teak sealer is relatively easy. However, you must apply the product correctly to avoid unnecessary damage to your teak wood furniture.
Below are the steps to applying any teak sealer, including the popular Semco teak sealer.
Wash the Furniture
Before doing anything else, make sure the teak furniture is clean. Dust and dirt will prevent the teak sealer from working effectively.
Wash the outdoor teak furniture with a soapy water solution, mild detergent, or a commercial teak cleaner like the Semco teak cleaner. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn debris stuck between the wood fibers.
If you notice light water stains on the surface, combine vinegar or lemon juice with water. Pour a small amount of the mixture on the affected area. Gently rub it in using a microfiber cloth until the stain is gone.
Those with nasty mold growth in their teak furniture must use fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to remove the outer wood layer. Follow the wood grain when sanding teak for smoother results. Wipe away sanding residue with a brush or cloth. After sanding, clean the furniture as you normally would.
Wait for the Surface to Dry
Leave the teak outdoor furniture to dry before using a sealant. The recommended drying period is between 48 and 72 hours to prevent accidentally sealing moisture.
Move the furniture to a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Doing so prevents the surface from accumulating dust and the color from fading.
Mix the Teak Sealer
After cleaning and drying the furniture, you can now open the teak sealer. Stir the contents of the tin using a mixing stick. Doing so eliminates any of the solids at the bottom of the container. At the same time, it ensures smoother and even application, ultimately preventing the blotchy appearance.
Apply the Teak Sealer
It’s time to apply the teak sealant once you have given it a proper stir.
Invest in a high-quality foam brush applicator or cloth to control where the product goes. It also helps prevent unwanted brush strokes that may be left on the wooden surface.
Dip the brush or cloth on the container to get a generous amount of product. Spread the teak sealer across the wooden furniture. Let the wood absorb as much sealer as it wants. Don’t worry about the lap marks yet.
After several minutes, wipe off the excess sealer from the surface using a clean rag.
Put on the Second Coat of Sealer
When the first coat is complete, you can apply the second layer of sealer for the best results. Put on both coats on the same day.
However, wait a few hours between applications in the same area. You must also remove excess teak sealer as you go.
Leave the Teak Furniture to Dry
After applying two or multiple coats of the sealer, you must allow the teak furniture to dry. Store it in a well-ventilated room away from high temperatures and humidity.
You can use the teak outdoor furniture again once it is completely dry.
Re-apply the sealer every season or year to keep the wood looking beautiful for years to come. Simply redo the steps above for re-coating your furniture.
When to Apply Teak Sealer?
If you recently bought teak furniture, you’re probably curious about when to apply teak sealer.
The answer depends on the sun exposure, current climate, and frequency of usage, among other factors.
The longer the furniture is exposed to sun and other harsh weather conditions, the more often you must apply sealer. UV light, moisture, and humidity can cause teak to age faster than usual. Using a teak sealer can slow down the natural weathering process.
If you want to leave the teak furniture outside during winter, make sure to clean it and seal the natural oils within. Doing so strengthens the wood, so it can easily withstand heavy rain and snow.
Those who often use their teak furniture must also maintain it more often. Regular cleaning and sealing are essential to keep the wood strong and beautiful.
What Are the Benefits of Using Teak Sealers?
Teak sealers offer several benefits to teak furniture owners.
First, it seals the natural protective oils of teak, hence its name. These teak oils are the main reason why the hardwood is very durable and resistant to decay. As such, sealing the wood can enhance its overall strength.
The sealant also protects the surface against moisture damage, which can lead to mold, warping, and rot.
Plus, sealing teak wood can highlight its natural beauty. It can enhance the wood grain and color. It can even restore old and weathered teak.
On top of these benefits, teak sealers make it easier to maintain the furniture. Since the surface is less likely to absorb stains, it minimizes the need to clean it.
Conclusion
Like most wooden materials, teak furniture requires care to preserve its beauty and strength. One of the best ways to maintain teak is to use a sealer.
To apply teak sealer, you must first clean the surface. Remove mold growth and other stains by sanding. Once the wood is spotless, you can put on two coats of teak sealer. Leave the furniture to dry completely before using it.
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