GOLDEN CARE: TEAK PROTECTOR

Golden Care Teak Protector is a water-based pigment specifically-formulated for Teak. It’s a wonderful product I’ve been using for over six years. With proper care (covering or bringing your Teak inside), depending on the variety of Teak, you could get 6+ years of protection while still looking good. Results may vary.

COLORS: There are two primary colors: Honey-Brown and Vintage Brown.

Honey-Brown is a bit sharp with a tint of orange, but this calms down into a warm honey-brown over time.

The Vintage Brown is a rich chocolate, but with elegant tones, and is forgiving on older Teak with imperfections. Hence, the name.

PRO-TIP: Shake more than you think. Then, shake some more. Apply lightly and keep things moving…keep it moving…keep it moving.

Protects from UV Rays of the Sun, but does not protect against organic growth, such as lichen or algae.

GOLDEN CARE: TEAK SHIELD

Golden Care Teak Shield is a wonderful product. This is an invisible protectant with a non-glossy matte finish that immediately sheets water + moisture from the surface of the wood. When applied alone, the Shield will allow your Teak to acquire an even silver patina, without any nasty organic growth; lichen, mold, or moss, or, inconsistencies.

When paired with Golden Care’s Teak Protector, the Shield protects from organic growth, while the Protector blocks UV.

Together, and with proper management, results could yield several years of protection; my own set saw

Does not protect from the UV Rays of the Sun.

GOLDEN CARE: TEAK CLEANER

Golden Care Teak Cleaner uses Oxalic Acid, a mild cleaner. Another product from Home Depot called Behr Wood Cleaner is essentially the same thing; though a larger jug is available, at less cost. Or, you could buy a bag of oxalic acid powder on Amazon and mix a bucket full for pennies on the dollar. Either way, oxalic acid works great on Teak. Apply, wait, rinse. Then rinse more. Then, a little more to avoid a nasty residue difficult to sand off, wastes money, and time.

Gloves, mask, and goggles. Agitating helps. I’d let it sit for a day in the sun before rinsing. Tends to give a more blonde, less honey look, so I only use it when necessary to eradicate stubborn growth or mold.

PRO-TIP: Leave in the sun for a couple days after.

ODIE'S OIL +

Odie’s Oil is the consummate woodworkers oil. Not specifically formulated for Teak, but superior to most all wood oils for many reasons, the main reason being it is non-toxic, naturally produced and kicks ass. The PLUS + is because there are so many options and the ability to mix colors with natural powdered pigments. Curing time is two weeks between products. Word has it, if you let cure properly, outdoor use is no problem. Be sure to top coat with the Original Odie’s, which has a slight wax base. Instagram.com/OdiesOil

SEMCO: TEAK SEALER

Semco Teak Sealer is a marine-grade product typically used on boats and recently marketed for outdoor Teak furniture.

The product comes in a variety of color tones. Semco’s Natural Tone is the closest I’ve found to emulating the natural honey color of fresh Teak. Every color tone looks fantastic in its own way with a unique look + feel; a warm aesthetic with soft characteristics.

However, Semco is oil-based and brings with it a nasty odor. I’ve also discovered the product may harbor mold, which on one project, may or may not have been avoided by using an anti-microbial solution. Regardless, dozens of other projects using Semco have turned out beautiful.

COLOR: Semco comes in Natural Tone, Golden Tone, Clear Tone, Classic Brown Tone and Honey Tone. Clear Tone is not clear, but has less UV protection.

PRO-TIP: Keep stirring.

GOLDEN TEAK OIL

Amazon’s Teak Oil is not from the Amazon we love to hate. This is a 100-year-old family business producing authentic Teak Oil in two shades: Golden and Light + Easy. The difference is negligible and depends on wood.

Of all the products above, I find Amazon’s to be the most dramatic, the most lovely. Yet, I haven’t had much luck retaining that glorious look beyond four months. Maybe if I allowed to cure longer indoors, which I’ll try next on a small piece.

PUT A RING ON IT

People often ask where I got my wood brand. After research, I made the right choice with GearHeart Industries. The ordering process was painless and the final product is well-made, electric with a wood handle. I love the results and the feeling it gives me when I put my name on something I believe in. I may even brand myself on my right scapula. Tattoos are for pansies. instagram.com/gearheartindustry