How to Keep Teak From Turning Gray

Teak wood is an enchanting material for furniture, but it can become dull and gray with exposure to the elements such as sun, rain, snow or frost. Fortunately, it can easily be restored back to its original beauty through a few simple steps.

1. Clean the surface with a solution of soap and water

Begin by wiping away dirt and grime from teak furniture’s surface. This can be done using mild soap with water; avoid using abrasives as these could damage the wood instead. Instead, use a soft brush or rag to scrub away at dirt with. After scrubbing, be sure to rinse well to make sure all residues have been eliminated.

2. Repair Damaged Areas with Filler or Replacement Parts

If you’ve noticed cracks in the teak, use a filler to restore it. This is available from most hardware stores and once dry, replace any broken pieces with replacement slats or legs.

3. Sand the furniture to reveal its original color

The first step in refinishing teak furniture is to sand away any outer layer of gray with medium or coarse-grit sandpaper. Start with a low number and gradually increase until all traces of the outer layer have been eliminated.

4. Apply a coat of teak oil or sealer

To prevent your teak furniture from turning gray, apply teak oil every couple of weeks. This helps maintain its honey-like hue; however, it only lasts a short while as eventually the color will fade again and your furniture may look even drier than before.

5. Use a Wood Bleach Solution to Eliminate Problem Stains

Before you sand your teak furniture, ensure it has been free from stains for at least 48 hours. This will allow the sanding process to proceed without leaving behind any dirt or debris on the surface of the wood. If any stains appear, try using a solution of wood bleach with oxalic acid and water as described above; sponge it on and let soak for some time before rinsing with clean water.

6. Bring Back Your Furniture’s Original Color

Once you’ve removed the gray outer layer, you can sand away any gray spots and restore your teak furniture back to its natural golden hue. There are several methods for doing this such as using teak oil or silicone-based sealer.

7. Maintain the natural oil content of teak

Teak stands out among other woods due to its absence of artificial oil, making it highly resistant to rot and weathering – making it one of the most durable woods for outdoor furniture applications. With that said, maintaining teak’s natural oil content is important for maintaining its long-lasting beauty.

If you’re not confident sanding and refinishing your teak furniture yourself, there is always the option of hiring a company to do the work for you. These businesses specialize in this task and can quickly and professionally restore teak furniture.