What Finish for Teak Coffee Tables?

[zulloboy]

I have a ~50 year old set of nesting teak coffee tables which I want to refinish. They will be used indoors and I would appreciate some advice on a good-looking finish that doesn't require obsessive maintenance.Teak oil, Danish oil, Teak Sealer, polyurethane............ ????????????Cheers, Graeme

[double.d]

With the quality of oils these days i would never use a polyurethane again. If obsessive maintenance falls under a once per year wax or the re application of oil then you may want to apply a solid finish.

I use and recommend Constantia Organic Finishes oils, seedlac finishes and waxes.

[zulloboy]

Thanks for that, sorry for the dumb questions, but could you please explain what you mean by a solid finish?

[double.d]

Polyurethane is a solid finish, as in it sits on the surface and forms a solid barrier and does not allow the timber to breath and when the timber moves the coating will crack therefore letting in contaminants and spills. This of course happens over time but when you need to repair there is a lot more work involved which normally means going back to bare timber.

When you use an oil it penetrates the surface and forms a barrier under the surface and when applied in accordance the surface will repel spills, and like solid finishes over time it will become dirty and stained if not given preventative maintenance. Rejuvenation is as simple as cleaning and wiping over with oil again while stubborn dirt or stains can be rubbed down with oil and "0000" steel wool.

[orraloon]

I would also go with an oil finish for the reasons stated above. I have a coffee table and 3 side tables done in danish oil that have been looking fine for quite a few years. When it comes time for a spruce up its an easy job. I think you will find teak oil and danish oil pretty much the same thing.
Regards
John

[zulloboy]

Thanks for your responses, ni polyurethane it is then. Next dumb question: could someone explain to me what "Teak Sealer" is? Is this just another name for polyurethane or varnish?

[orraloon]

Teak sealer is a boat varnish that is brushed on from what I have just read. For outside use but I guess it could be used indoors too. I guess calling it teak sealer means they can charge more than if they call it marine varnish. They say only one coat required but I still think an oil finish will look better for your tables.
Regards
John

[zulloboy]

Yes, as a yacht owner I am aware that the enoermous effort involved in adding "marine" to a product label requires a price increase of 25 - 50%.

Oil it will be.

Thanks to all.

[Dazweeja]

I agree with the majority here, oils all the way. I like my projects to look and feel like timber, not plastic.

One further step you may wish to consider is finishing over the Danish oil with a bees wax based polish. I lightly sand the Danish oil with 0000 steel wool before polishing to a soft lustre.

[zulloboy]

After hours of reading I settled on Rustins Danish oil and am very happy with the resulting finish on the first table. Lots to learn - it seems Danish Oils ain't Danish Oils.

Thanks all, Graeme

[double.d]

I would urge everyone wanting to use finishing oils to please buy Australian made.

[zulloboy]

I would urge everyone wanting to use finishing oils to please buy Australian made.

I would have but their website doesn't show Danish Oil.

[double.d]

I would have but their website doesn't show Danish Oil.

Rustins is a British made product. There are a number of better Australian made products available.

[zulloboy]

Rustins is a British made product. There are a number of better Australian made products available.

You may be right, but the only brand name appearing in the responses to my question was the one that does not feature Danish Oil. I asked for advice which means I don't know the market.

You could have provided me with an Aussie brand name but you didn't.

[Ironwood]

You could have provided me with an Aussie brand name but you didn't.

I use and recommend Constantia Organic Finishes oils, seedlac finishes and waxes.

Post #2