What finish for teak?

soggysawdust · Post by **soggysawdust** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:11 pm

I just got a major good deal on some 8/4 teak end cuts and want to make some small boxes with some of it. What is a good finish for small teak projects? I have heard of only using paste wax for things that will not get much wear or shellac for medium usage. I normally like a tung oil finish but hear that it may have drying problems on teak. Any other ideas?

Best Holiday wishes to all

Phil

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 12:41 am

Try some wipe on Poly. I use this on just about everything. The reason I like it so much is that it is almost "Idiot Proof".

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:26 am

You could also try some Watco Teak Oil.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:32 am

Teak is an oily wood to get a finish to stick you have to remove the surface layer of oil or build upon it.

Many that want a high gloss finish on teak start by wiping down the wood with product that will cut the oil. Actone would be a good start.
They then seal the wood usually with shellac and then apply the finish over it. One problem with this method is usually the cleansing of the oil from the surface raises grain flags so you have to sand them off, before you apply the shellac. However sanding raises more oil so you have to wipe it off, which raises the grain. So this becomes a multistep project. I know people that simply wipe the oil, apply shellac and sand it smooth then apply a finish but if you look close you can see grain flags.

However if you want to build on oil quality of teak most any oil finish will work. Boiled Linseed oil, tung oil, Polymerized tung oil, Walco and etc.