Frequently Asked Questions

Which teak care products are recommended for new furniture?

The type of teak care you will want to use depends on whether you prefer the brand new honey colour or new teak, or the silvery grey of worn teak. To keep a golden colour choose Teak Protector, whilst for silver you should choose Teak Patinizer.

 

Which teak products can I use on furniture which has already turned silver/grey?

You can easily brighten and restore furniture which has already weathered to a silvery grey using a Teak Cleaner first, to make the wood look fresher, and then applying a Teak Patinizer to seal and preserve this colour.

Can teak be left outside all year round after it has been treated?

Yes, teak can be left outside all year round whether it has been treated or not, but teak cleaners, sealers and patinizers will help to preserve the fresh look of the wood, and protect the wood from all weather conditions.

 

Will certain teak treatments work better at a certain time of year?

Teak can be restored and made to look beautiful at any time of the year. However it is recommended to treat wood before putting it away for winter, or before the beginning of the summer season, so that it looks great when you most need it to.

What is Teak Protector?

Teak Protector is used to preserve the look of brand new teak furniture. For those who prefer the natural honey-gold of teak, applying a protector helps to prevent the silvery grey that comes with weathering. Teak Protector protects against UV rays from the sun as well, making the look of furniture last that much longer.

Is Teak Protector different from teak oil or teak sealer?

Yes. Teak Protector is created especially to preserve the look of teak, and therefore lasts much longer than natural teak oils. Furniture treated with teak oil will still turn grey in 4 to 8 weeks. Teak Protectors are 100% water based which makes them different from Teak Sealers, most of which contain highly flammable ingredients that are harmful to the environment.

Is a Teak Protector any different from furniture varnish?

Varnishes and other furniture coatings sit on top of the wood and are therefore more likely to chip or wear away as the season goes on. Teak Protector works its way into the grain of the wood, providing a natural finish which looks much like the wood did when it was brand new. Because the protector doesn’t sit on top of the wood, it cannot chip, scratch or wear away.

Can a Teak Protector make my life easier?

If you are looking to preserve the natural look of your teak furniture then Teak Protector can save you a lot of time and trouble throughout the year. Just one clean and treatment of the furniture and you can basically leave it alone until it is time to pack it away in the winter. Teak Protector also penetrates the wood instead of sitting on top of it, so won’t ruin clothing in the same way that oils can.

Will Teak Protector last all year?

Generally, Teak Protector is expected to maintain the look and colour of teak furniture for an entire season without turning black or grey. After a season you may want to re-treat your furniture to ensure that the colour stays bright.

How quickly does a Teak Protector take to dry?

Teak Protector is water-based so will usually be dry in less than an hour, and the furniture will be useable in just a couple of hours.

Will Teak Protector damage plants or grass?

If you do decide to apply Teak Protector over plants or grass you should use a suitable covering to protect them as it can affect them. It may also affect some types of paving.

Can paste wax be applied after using Teak Protector?

Water-based waxes will not affect the furniture after using a Teak Protector, but some waxes which contain solvents such as acetone can cause the protector to weaken or dissolve.

Does Teak Protector protect against stains such as water or oil stains?

Although Teak Protector does provide some protection against stains, and helps to seal the colour of the wood, some stains can penetrate through the protector. It is recommended to use Teak Shield against stains if you require more permanent protection.

Will the colour of the teak change when using a Teak Protector?

Teak Protector is designed to brighten and reinforce the colour of new teak, and shouldn’t change the colour of the furniture noticeably. Only teak oils and sealers will create a darker reddish-brown or orange tint.

What is the best way to apply Teak Protector?

You should not use sponges or sprays to apply Teak Protector, as this can cause uneven coverage. Using a dust-free cloth should spread the product evenly and avoid cracking or blistering.

Can I remove Teak Protector if I don’t like the finished effect?

Although you should be perfectly happy with the final look of your furniture after applying a Teak Protector, if you do decide that you want to remove it you can use a light sandpaper and a bit of elbow grease! To save yourself time, apply Teak Protector to a small area of the furniture first, perhaps on the back of a leg or underneath, so that you can check that you are happy with the look.

Will Teak Protector react with teak oils or sealers?

If you have already applied oil or Teak Sealer to a piece of furniture, Teak Protector can react with the oil and the result can be severe discoloration. It is recommended to clean Teak with a good Teak Cleaner before applying Teak Protector to prevent this from happening.

Can I apply Teak Protector directly after sanding furniture?

You can, but sawdust left on the surface of the furniture will leave bumps and rough patches which may not be as appealing as applying it to completely smooth teak. Use a dry, rough sponge to clean off any sawdust or grass before you apply Teak Protector.

Why can teak sometimes turn black or grey over time?

Teak naturally fades from a golden-brown colour to a silvery grey over time, as the natural oils dissipate, and the furniture becomes weathered and absorbs UV rays from the sun. Many people prefer this look and a Teak Patinizer can be used to make the grey colour brighter and more polished. Black spots are the result of mould and mildew, and in most cases can be removed with a Teak Cleaner before Teak Protector is applied. This should prevent the black spotting from happening again where teak oils would not be effective.

Will Teak Protector affect the aluminium or brass fixtures on the furniture?

Teak Protector should not affect any of the metal fixtures on teak furniture. However, it can sit on top of them and stop them from looking as bright and clean. If Teak Protector gets onto the fixtures during the application process, it can be removed easily with a little warm water whilst the product is still wet.

What is the best method for cleaning teak?

The best way to clean teak easily and without too much scrubbing is to use Teak Cleaner, which makes the job easy and also kills any mould or mildew spores which are already present. Warm, soapy water can also be used, but may take a little more time to get the teak completely clean. It is best to then use a Teak Patinizer or Teak Protector to seal the wood for the rest of the season.

How can I clean teak which has already weathered?

Weathered teak is still in good enough condition to last for years, and can be left alone, but if you prefer a neater look to your furniture you may want to use a light sandpaper to get rid of any rough or uneven patches. Do not use an electrical sander, as this actually can damage the wood irreversibly. Once the wood is smooth, use a Teak Cleaner and sponge just as you would with new furniture.

Is Teak Cleaner suitable for oiled or sealed wood?

You will probably want to clean off your furniture after each season, to keep it looking fresh. Teak which has already been sealed or oiled will still require cleaning with Teak Cleaner, and in fact oiled teak must be cleaned before a Teak Protector is applied, or the oil may react and ruin the look of the furniture.

Will Teak Cleaner affect grass, plants or paving?

Teak Cleaner may affect the ground on which it is applied, and it is always safest to put down a protective sheet before you apply the cleaner.

Why do some stores sell two products for cleaning teak?

To get furniture looking perfect, a teak cleaner and a teak brightener can be applied. Our Teak Cleaner contains both, so you only need to use one product.

How can I deal with dark spots on the wood during cleaning?

Dark or even black spots may be present in teak furniture, and you may only discover this while you are cleaning it. These spots are caused by mould and mildew and can be completely removed using Teak Cleaner. For more difficult spots you can use a light sandpaper and follow it with cleaner, and then apply Teak Protector to prevent this problem from occurring again.

What can I do if my teak is already starting to turn grey?

If you have had your furniture for several months and have noticed that it has started to turn grey, it is important to treat it with Teak Protector as soon as possible. Teak Cleaner and Teak Protector will work together to restore the teak to its natural colour, but applying a protector before the furniture turns grey will mean considerably less work.

How does Teak Patinizer work?

Teak Patinizer is used to brighten and refresh teak which has already turned a silvery grey. It is not used to turn the wood a grey colour, instead sealing the wood so that the colour can remain. Older teak which has not been protected can turn a much darker grey or even green colour, which indicated fungus build-up. A Teak Patinizer will prevent this from happening by protecting against UV rays from the sun.

How can I get my teak to turn silvery grey?

Some people prefer the silver grey of older teak to the golden brown of newer furniture. It is simple enough to get your furniture to turn grey; all you need to do is leave it outside for 4 to 8 weeks and wait for the golden colour to start to pale. You can then apply a Teak Patinizer and wait for the silvery grey colour to flourish.

What should I do if my garden furniture is very badly weathered?

Some older furniture may look very dark grey and dull if it has not been looked after and maintained. Luckily, thanks to the hard-wearing nature of teak, this process is easily to reverse using Teak Cleaner and Teak Patinizer. Teak Cleaner should be applied after a light sanding to rid the furniture of the darkest patches and any roughening, and a patinizer will then seal the wood, making it look good as new.

Will Teak patinizer affect the fixtures of furniture?

Teak furniture usually has brass, aluminium or sling fixtures, but these should not be affected by Teak Patinizer. If you do get some of the product on your fixtures and want to remove it for cosmetic reasons, you can do so straight away using warm water.

Will Teak Patinizer affect grass, pavements or plants?

Teak Patinizer may or may not affect the ground on which you apply it, including some types of paving. In order to be safe, apply a suitable protective covering to the ground before you apply the product.

Should I protect my skin against Teak Patinizer?

Teak Patinizer is not harmful, as it is water based and environmentally friendly. However it can irritate the eyes and skin so is best used carefully and in a well-ventilated area (in your garden would be perfect!).

How do I apply Teak Patinizer?

Start with Teak Cleaner to ensure that the wood is in the best possible condition before you use the patinizer. Wait until the teak is 100% dry and then apply Teak Patinizer in a thin coating using a soft dust-free cloth. Apply a second coat after four hours and then wait 24 hours before using the furniture.

Should I apply Teak Patinizer every season?

It is not necessary to apply Teak Patinizer more than once every year. The product works its way into the wood and seals it against weather conditions and UV rays, so that the wood should hold its fresh and bright look all year long.

Is there a difference between Teak Patinizer and Teak Protector?

A Teak Patinizer is designed for weathered, silver grey teak as it contains no pigments. This means that it goes onto the wood clear and allows the natural colour to shine through, whilst simultaneously protecting it against any damage.

Can I apply Teak Patinizer over wood which has already been treated with Teak Protector?

It is best not to mix the two products as this can discolour the wood and take away from the natural look that the products are designed to promote. If you want to try a patinizer on wood which has already been coated with a protector, you will want to sand the wood down first and then use a Teak Cleaner.

Can I apply Teak Protector over the top of Teak Patinizer?

This would not do any harm, but wouldn’t do any good either, as a Teak Patinizer seals the wood and stops Teak Protector from soaking in. The two products are also best for different colours of wood, so would not be used on the same furniture.

When should I use Lindsey Teak Sealer Shield?

Lindsey Teak Sealer Shield provides an almost invisible layer of protection on the surface of the wood that helps to prevent food stains (coffee, ketchup, red wine) from penetrating into teak wood. Teak Shield also protects teak against moisture and adhesion of dirt and mildew growth, resulting in a natural silver patina gray color.

Can I use Lindsey Teak Sealer Shield on new teak wood?

Before using Sealer Shield on new teak, put the teak outside for one week. Follow the instructions for use.

Can I use Sealer Shield on weathered or dark grey teak?

Teak that has been weathered should be cleaned with Teak Cleaner prior to applying Sealer Shield. If the teak feels a bit rough, it can be lightly sanded before treating with Sealer Shield. Additional instructions can be found on the bottle.

How often should I apply Lindsey Teak Sealer Shield?

We recommend treating teak with Sealer Shield at least once per year. Tabletops should be treated more often, depending on the frequency of use.

Can I use Sealer Shield on Lindsey Teak Protector?

It is possible to use Sealer Shield on Teak Protector. This will result in improved water repellency, but only for a rather short period of time, because the Sealer Shield cannot completely soak into the wood. This means that treatments need to be repeated more frequently.

Can I use Lindsey Teak Protector on Sealer Shield?

This is not possible because Sealer Shield does not allow the Teak Protector to soak into the wood. This implicates that the treated teak first needs to be cleaned with Teak Cleaner, before the Teak Protector can be reapplied.

Sealer Shield is water-based. Does this mean that this product will dry very slowly?

Although Sealer Shield is water-based, it dries quickly. The polymer ingredients in Sealer Shield interact with the wood-fibers causing Sealer Shield to break down rapidly. After the first layer is applied, four hours are needed before applying a second coating. Humid climates may require a slightly longer drying time. After the second layer, 48 hours should pass before the furniture is used. Since Sealer Shield reacts with moisture in the air, the reaction will be completed approximately one week after application.

How can I remove Teak Sealer Shield from the wood?

Lindsey Teak Cleaner will remove Sealer Shield. If needed, the wood can be sanded after drying.

Can I use Teak Sealer Shield on weathered teak?

Teak that has weathered should be cleaned with Teak Cleaner prior to applying Teak Sealer Shield. If the teak feels a bit rough it can be lightly sanded before treating with Teak Sealer Shield.