Take Care with Teak Care
Teak is a very hard wood grown in Southeast Asia. Much of the teak we use now
is plantation grown, rather than taken from the existing rain forests. This fine
grained wood contains both soft and hard grain.
Teak is used extensively in the marine industry due to its durability and
beautiful appearance. The natural oils present in teak are thought to make it
more water resistant. In a harsh marine environment, maintaining beauty of the
original teak can be a challenge.
On the surface, teak care seems quite simple. All you really need to do is
clean it and protect it. Of course, there is more to it than that. Some of the
following questions and answers should help.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about teak and teak care.
1. I haven’t put anything on my teak and it has weathered to a silver-gray
color with some black or brown splotches. It looks a little like driftwood. Do I
need to apply a finish?
If you leave your teak untreated, exposure to weathering breaks down the
cellulose fibers in the teak, and causes that light gray or silver. Often
the soft part of the grain will deteriorate, natural oils will dissipate and
the wood may split. Therefore, a protective product of some kind should
extend the life and enhance the beauty of your teak.
2. What are those dark brown or black spots on my teak?
Old oxidized oil creates these spots. Some
say it is mildew and mold, but those grow in dark moist places, not sunlit
decks.
3. How can I remove this mildew and old finish products?
It helps if you know what was used on your teak before. A chemical
remover will be needed if your teak been finished with oils mixed with
solvents. Examples of this type of finish are urethane and resins. These all
belong with the varnish family.
Many oils can be removed with a good
one part teak cleaner.
Special solvents are required when silicone oils have been used. All
silicone must be removed before any other type of finish can be applied.
You should give the teak a final cleaning with a good teak cleaner before
applying any other protective product.
4. Why is cleaning the teak so important?
Many people are so anxious to put products on their teak to
enhance the
beauty of their wood that they rush through the cleaning process. This can
shorten the life of your protective coating as well as allow it to penetrate
unevenly.
Clean teak will allow even penetration and good bonding with which ever type
of protective coating you choose to use on your teak.
If the protective product you choose for your teak has a companion
cleaner, it is probably a good idea to use them together so the chemistry
will be compatible.
5. What types of cleaners are available?
Two part cleaners -
Wear protective clothing and gloves if
you use them. There is a possibility that gel coat or paint can sustain
damage from two part cleaners. The soft part of teak grain may also be
damaged.
Single part cleaners
need to be used with some sort of gentle scrubber
and may take a little more "elbow grease". Most manufacturers
claim that the one part cleaners do not damage adjacent surfaces. Look for a
one-step cleaner that does not contain caustics or acids. You should get the
best results from a balanced ph and wetting agent and detergent system.
Wetting agents will suspend the accumulated oils and foreign matter that has
oxidized on the surface making removal by the detergent easier.
6. What kinds of protective coatings are available?
Protective coatings include:
Solvent-based oils - the most common treatments. They contain
mineral spirits, tung oil, linseed oils, turpentines or other
organic oils. Sometimes need recanting every few weeks.
Silicones - contain silicones, which are like a non-drying oil.
Varnish coatings
- contain resins and/or urethanes. Can last a
few years, then will need to be stripped and recoated.
Acrylic polymers - environmentally safe, water-based UV
inhibitors. Can last up to a year then need cleaning and recoating.
7. What should I look for in a protective coating?
It should bond well, not promote mildew and mold, protect the teak from
UV rays, be durable, be removable and maintain the look you want in your
teak.
3. What factors can affect how long my protective products last?
Cleaning - If your teak is properly cleaned, your protective product
should last longer and bond better.
Wood quality and age - Older wood may be more porous and actually
"hold" the coating better.
Environment - Salt water, heat and UV rays can shorten the life of your
teak care product.
Location of Teak on the Vessel - Teak on a hand rail doesn’t get nearly
as much wear as teak on a swim platform or a walking deck. You might
consider more coats of your product on high traffic, heavy wear areas.
There are no "maintenance free" ways to care for teak if you want
it keep its good appearance and durability. Consider the look you want and the
amount of work you are willing to do. Ask your supplier and/or manufacturer
questions and make your own decisions as to which products are best to clean and
protect your beautiful teak.
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