If you recently bought Watco teak oil, you know it supposedly protects your prized teak furniture. But if you are reading this article, you probably have not tried the product yourself for many reasons. Perhaps you did not have time to sit down and apply the oil, or you found the application instructions vague. I have been in your shoes before, so I will share top tips on using this best-selling teak oil.
To use Watco teak oil, you must first clean the bare wood surface. Remove any existing finish and sand the outdoor teak furniture. Then, apply teak oil to the surface as evenly as possible. Wait for it to dry before putting on another coat of oil. Leave it for a few hours to cure completely.
But before doing any of these steps, you must protect yourself and prepare the working area. This article thoroughly covers each action you must take when using Watco teak oil. I will also give more insight into Watco teak oil and its benefits for your wooden furniture.
What Is Watco Teak Oil?
Watco teak oil is designed to treat and protect dense hardwoods including teak, mahogany, and rosewood. It uses a blend of oils and solvents to create a UV-resistant and moisture-repellent finish. The oil can also withstand chipping, peeling, and regular wear and tear.
This penetrating teak oil seeps into the wood to protect it from within. It can enhance the natural strength of dense woods. At the same time, it restores the warm color of the material.
Watco teak oil is extremely versatile. It can be used to seal indoor and outdoor furniture as well as marine surfaces, such as decks and rails.
Despite its name, Watco teak oil does not come from teak wood or teak tree. Teak oil is a commercial name (similar to Danish oil). Most products use a mixture of linseed oil and tung oil.
How to Use Watco Teak Oil?
Watco teak oil prides itself as a one-step finish for wooden surfaces. It is relatively easy to work with. But if it is your first time using teak oil or you are confused about the instructions, the oil can be intimidating to apply.
Below, I will guide you step-by-step on how to use Watco teak oil for outdoor teak furniture.
Move to a Suitable Working Area
Before applying teak oil, you must choose a suitable working area. Working with Watco teak oil can get messy. You can also expect the oil to stain the floor and nearby furniture. So unless you want to discolor your wooden items, move to another location, preferably outdoors.
If you cannot move the wooden furniture where you want to apply the teak oil, you can still work indoors. However, choose a room with natural ventilation.
Also, make sure the temperatures are not too cold or too hot because they affect the drying period of the teak oil. Watco recommends applying teak oil in temperatures between 55°F (12°C) and 90°F (32°C).
Protect The Floor and Nearby Furniture
You must also cover any surface where the oil might leak. Place old newspapers or rags under the wooden surface you plan on treating to catch teak oil spills. Then, wrap any furniture pieces nearby with a clear plastic sheet.
Covering surfaces not only protects your belongings, but it can also make clean-up easier after using Watco teak wood oil.
Wear Protective Equipment
Watco teak oil can produce volatile organic compounds, which harm your health. It also contains ingredients that irritate the skin and eyes.
To protect yourself from harm, wear safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. You can also put on a respiratory mask to prevent inhaling the toxic fumes.
You must avoid working near heat sources, such as fire pits. Teak oil is highly flammable, so keep away from surfaces that may ignite.
Prepare the Surface
It is time to prep the surface for the teak oil. Doing so allows the Watco teak oil to penetrate the wood furniture better.
If you have previously finished wood furniture, you must first remove the existing finish. You can use coarse sandpaper to strip off the outer layer of wood. Then, grab higher-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. Sand following the grain of teak wood. Then, get rid of sanding dust by using a vacuum or a rag.
Those working with unfinished surfaces must also smoothen the wooden surface. Use 150 or 220-grit sandpaper to prepare the outer wood layer. Remove sanding residue with a vacuum or wipe a rag soaked in mineral spirits.
Shake The Teak Oil
Before using Watco teak oil, shake it thoroughly. Having the product sit for too long causes the components to separate. By stirring the teak oil, you can create a more uniform oil product that is easy to spread. You can also expect a more even application if you shake the teak oil prior to usage.
Apply Watco Teak Oil
With the wooden surface and the product ready, you can now apply Watco teak oil.
Pour a generous amount of teak oil directly into the outdoor wood furniture. Spread the product across the surface with a natural-bristled brush, a lint-free cloth, or a roller.
If you want precision, you can use a sprayer to apply Watco teak oil to the furniture. But you must only use plastic or stainless steel fluid tips. You must also take note of the following recommendations from Rust-Oleum, the manufacturer of Watco teak oil finish.
- Air atomized gun: Use a 1.0 or 1.5mm fluid tip. Ensure the atomizing pressure is around 45 to 80 psi.
- HVLP turbine sprayer: Buy a product with a 1.0-1.5mm fluid tip. The suggested atomizing pressure is 10 psi.
- HVLP conversion spray gun: It is best to use a 1.0-1.5mm fluid tip and 10 psi atomizing pressure.
Leave the product for a few minutes to penetrate the wood pores deep within. Remove excess oil by wiping the surface with a lint-free cloth after.
Then, allow the teak oil finish to dry for 15 to 30 minutes before moving to the next step.
Put Another Coat of Oil
After 30 minutes have passed, feel the teak outdoor furniture. Once dry to the touch, you can apply the second coat of oil. Follow the instructions above.
Apply Watco teak oil across the wood surface using a brush, cloth, roller, or gun sprayer. Leave the teak oil to soak into the wood before removing excess product.
Then, let the teak outdoor furniture dry for up to 10 hours before using it.
Clean and Dispose of Wastes Properly
Once you have finished the teak oil application, you must carefully dispose of waste. Avoid throwing rags soaked with oil in the trash can because they might spontaneously combust. Wash them with water and soap. Allow to dry completely before putting them inside the bin.
Conclusion
Watco teak oil is an excellent product for treating teak furniture. However, it requires careful application to get the most of its benefits.
To use Watco teak oil properly, you must prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding it. Shake the teak oil before application. Spread the product using a brush, cloth, or spray gun. Leave it to dry before putting on another coat of oil. Remember to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from toxic substances.
Do you have other questions about teak oil in general? You can visit our contact page to send your queries.
