Is your outdoor teak furniture looking tired and worn out? Then here’s one answer to your problem – stain it to bring back your teak patio furniture to new again. In this post I will instruct you into how to stain teak patio furniture.
Whilst this can appear to be a daunting job a few practical tips will help you finish this job with a minimum of fuss.
First have a good look at the furniture. Are the joints loose? Is there any damage to the wood? Does it have any stains, burns or blemishes? It’s vital to repair all damage and tighten all joints before preparing the wood for staining. So take your time and ensure the wood is in good condition before you proceed.
Now thoroughly inspect the wood. What type of wood is it? Is the furniture made out of more than one type of wood? Some woods need particular treatments. Is the grain open or closed? Next look at the color and surface of the wood. Is there a previous stain or filler still in the wood? If so it’s preferable to bleach it out.
The preparation of your wood furniture will be determined by the stain you choose. Not all stains can be used with all sealants and fillers and not all stains need the same preparation. It is essential that you familiarise yourself with the particular requirements of the stain before you spend time preparing the wood. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them precisely. It is also very important to ensure that only use compatible sealers and fillers.
When sanding wood it’s vital to remember three basic things. First, always sand with the grain. Cross sanding can leave lasting and noticeable scratches. Second, always sand with a sanding block. Third, sand with successively finer grades of sandpaper, methodically sanding the entire piece of furniture.
When the sanding is complete you are ready to stain it. Staining makes old wood look new again as it accentuates the grain and especially adds life to light colored wood. Beech, birch, poplar, ash, gum and new pine are definitely enhanced and made more attractive by staining. Make sure you use the best type of stain for the right type of wood. Again read the manufacturers recommendations and seek advice at your local wood store if you are unsure. It’s helpful to test the stain on a piece of the wood to ensure you are going to be happy with the final result. Now work rapidly, starting from the base of the furniture, applying the stain smoothly and consistently.
When you are finished you will be amazed at the results as you turn an old piece of teak wood patio furniture into something new and fresh. You will be glad you didn’t rush out and replace it with a cast aluminum patio furniture setting.