Some factors, such as the sun, the humidity, and even the passage of time have effects on the wood, especially if this is outdoors.
To avoid this deterioration, which is evident when the wood loses its natural color and cracks, it is necessary to treat it. There are many that can be used for this, each one with its advantages and disadvantages.
On this occasion we will focus on the teak oil, a natural option that stands out for its nutritional properties and for return a natural color to the wood.
What is teak oil?
The teak oil is a product of natural origin, obtained from the tree of the teak, which can be can be applied as a finish on the wood to protect it.
Although it can be used in interiors, especially suitable for timber exposed to the weather. Can be applied on any wood, not exclusively on the teak.
Types
There is frequent confusion between what we call teak oil (the natural product) and oil for teak what is most likely to find in shops.
This latter compound is an industrial in addition to teak oil contain other components in order to improve some properties, such as UV filters, fungicides, shades…
When buying teak oil can be found in different shades and formats:
- Hues or colors: transparent, light woods (honey), dark wood (teak).
- Formats: tin or spray.
Oil properties of Teak
Among the features of this product include:
- Does not create film, but that is absorbed by the wood.
- Nourishes and moisturizes the wood.
- Can offer filter against UV rays.
- Protects wood from the harmful action that can have the moisture.
- Excellent resistance of the product against the environmental changes are sudden.
- It is suitable even for marine environments (not submerged).
- It slows down the discoloration of the wood.
- Natural finish.
- You can slightly alter the color of the wood to which it is applied.
- Easy and fast application. In fact, drying times do not arrive at the time and we don’t need more tool that some sandpaper and a simple brush.
Uses
This natural oil for wood is mainly used in outdoor furniture, fences, doors and windows, pallets, etc
It is also suitable for applications very demanding, as is the case of protecting timber uses water (not submerged), as in the case of the decks of boats.
Application of the Teak Oil on Wood
As we have already mentioned one of the great advantages of the oils is that they are very easy to implement, much more so than varnishes, paints, etc
Prepare the Wood
Before you apply the oil to prepare the surface by removing all the possible impurities and traces of applied finishes above.
To do this we will be able to use sandpaper. If the wood is virgin, that is to say, has not been finished previously, simply with a fine sandpaper. If you have applied other oils we will use an emery cloth of medium grain, and if it is varnished or painted we will use initially coarse sandpaper and will reduce the grain in successive sanded. In this last case you can also use paint strippers.
After this process can we wash the wood with water and neutral soap and wait for it to dry.
Application
The teak oil can be found in different formats, being the most common the liquid, although it is also common practice in spray.
To apply it to extend over the wood a good amount of oil, always in the direction of the grain of the wood. Let the wood to absorb the product before applying a new layer. Usually the manufacturer will detail the times that should be adhered to.
Before applying the second layer we can use a cloth to wipe the surplus of products that could be. Try to use a material that does not leave lint.
When to Renew the Application?
It is recommended to do it in spring or autumn, when temperatures, solar radiation and humidity are moderate in comparison with other periods.
As to the periodicity, that is to say, when to renew the product will depend on several issues. Of the recommendations of the manufacturer of the oil, what is exposed is the wood and the area. Is not the same as having a piece of wood furniture to the outside but under cover in a temperate zone, which completely exposed near the sea.
Teak oil or Linseed
There are several options in terms of protective oils for timber. An alternative common is linseed oil. What are the differences and when to use teak oil or linseed?
- The linseed oil darkens the wood. It is worth mentioning that both products maintain the natural grain of the wood.
- The teak oil dries much faster. In addition to the flaxseed, if the drying is not correct, it may leave a sticky texture.
- The price of teak oil is superior to flaxseed.
- In terms of the improvement of the durability of the wood to the outside after the implementation it is often said that the teak oil offers best results. However it is worth mentioning that both products are marketed in combination with all kinds of components, resins, etc, and so the assertion is very generalist.
- Although both oils penetrate into the wood, the teak can be removed much more easily when changing the type of finish. That is to say, if after a few years we would like to paint or varnish the wood treated with linseed oil would give much more work.
- The linseed oil offers less protection against UV light.
