Gardenside Ltd

Teak is protected by its own natural oils that migrate to the surface of the wood. The elements oxidize this oil, turning the wood gray and promoting the growth of mildew. SEMCO teak sealer contains UV protection and mildewcide to prevent this process.

Teak Care for Outdoor Furniture

Teak outdoor furniture is beautiful, durable and practical. In addition, it can be left outside in the weather without becoming twisted or warped. You can rest assured that your premium teak furniture will not crack, splinter, or be a home to termites. With proper care, you can be maintained the teak, attractive and durable qualities.

It’s generally a good idea to give your teak outdoor furniture a good occasional scrub at the end of every season or whenever it becomes visibly dirty. A mild solution of soapy water or a diluted mixture of Marine SimpleGreen® and water will remove accumulated dirt. This should be followed by a rinse with clean water. To remove grease spots, a light scrub with a degreasing agent is recommended. This, too, should be followed by a rinse with clean water.

If you choose to put your furniture away for the winter, do not store it in a heated room. The heat can dry out the wood and cause cracks. It is normal for teak wood to expand and contract with time and changes in weather. Some of the joints are not glued, like the slats in the back of chairs. From time to time you may need to tighten the fasteners.

As the wood ages, small checks or cracks may appear on the surface. This is normal and doesn’t affect the durability of the furniture.

Teak ages gracefully. Any resulting imperfections give it the natural and durable quality you will love.

The Best Way to Maintain Your Teak Furniture

The most effective way is by adding a teak sealer or protector to your furniture care routine. Teak sealants keep the wood’s natural oils from depleting, thus deploying the weathering process. Additionally, sealers also protect the wood from UV radiation, molding and water damage.

When to apply

The furniture should be allowed to weather for a couple of weeks, it is ok for the wood to get wet being outdoors or washed with a detergent (OxyClean is great) prior to sealing. Either process will remove the waxy feeling of new furniture which occurs when the natural oils have been polished or burnished by the sanding and milling process during manufacture. FAILURE to this mill glaze will result in a blotchy appearance and early failure of sealer protection.

How to apply

Apply the sealer using a plastic spray bottle or rag. Apply liberally and wipe off the excess. SEMCO teak sealer is not a sticky finish and can be applied at almost any temperature. The first coat will dry in less than 1 hour. Apply a second when the first is complete. Be sure to apply both coats in the same day. The furniture will be dry to the touch in a few hours and can be placed in service the next day. Two coats are all that are recommended for new or restored furniture.

Special care for Tables

Oils from foods, some condiments as well as wine and coffee will penetrate the sealer and leave a stain. If you discover that this is a problem you may wish to add SEMCO Clear Coat to the table top to improve stain resistance.

Restoring teak

  1. If your furniture has been allowed to weather or is stained by food and you wish to remove any sealers use SEMCO teak cleaner or OxyClean(has no chlorine) to help restore the wood to the like new condition. Wet the wood with a hose and keep the piece wet during the entire process.
  2. Follow the mixing directions on whatever cleaner you are using.
  3. Use a Scotch Brite pad to scrub the area.
  4. Rinse with clean water to remove dirt. Work on small areas until the entire piece is done.
  5. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly (1 day) before applying any new sealers or oils. If you are re-sealing a piece a single coat of sealer should be sufficient.

DON’T DO THIS

Never use chlorine bleach, brass brush, pressure washer or steel wool on teak furniture. These items will damage or discolor the surface of the wood. A common problem with using pressure washing is a “feathering” of the wood. (Note: Oxyclean is not a chlorine bleach.) Semco Products are available online at westmarine.com or directly from SEMCO at 800-662-0223.

Gardenside Ltd.
1651 Whipple Rd unit#29
Hayward, CA 94544
(415) 455 4500, (888) 999 8325