Teak with no coating: what suggestions please?

[NPMR]

I have just acquired a solid teak serving tray - a massive bargain and obviously a thing of beauty. If not particularly good for the planet.

However, it has not been used but equally, it has no 'finish' on it - no wax or varnish or lacquer etc.

If tea or wine spill I am worried that it might mark very easily.

So what should I coat it with? Or just leave it and sand it occasionally?

 

[FWB]

If its not going to be left in the sun, then teak oil.

 

[Plevier]

For teak items for food use, a culinary vegetable oil (sunflower, rape seed, safflower, peanut) etc is usually recommended. Maybe not olive oil, suspect that would be stickier.

 

[duncan99210]

If its not going to be left in the sun, then teak oil.

+1

Teak oil is easy to apply, give a nice understated finish and will protect the wood. The alternative is to think about varnish of one type or another. The problem there is getting a good, even finish with no blemishes.

 

[rob2]

Teak oil does give a beautiful sheen if you take time to keep adding coats and let them dry. The finish is easy to keep up with just a wash over and occasional fresh wipe over with oil. The only thing you really have to watch out for is oil based products which can stain as they mix with the finish. Ask how I know? A friend put an oily engine part on the saloon table and the stain is still there to this day!

Rob.

 

[doug748]

I agree with the others and would oil it. It will offer little protection but will look fab.

Consider Danish Oil, which is a refined version of Teak Oil and is a bit thinner and cleaner to use

 

[PCUK]

A satin finish varnish will look very nice or one of the furniture wax polishes used by furniture makers. Briwax is probably the best but I believe it only comes in trade size tins.

 

[Blue5]

International do a 2 pack varnish specifically for teak. The oils are OK for a finish but will show marks if you put a hot cup on them.

 

[myquest]

Try beeswax. On a mahogany top around a sink it has worked fine for me.

 

[Stork_III]

Danish Oil

 

[thalassa]

Danish Oil

+1

 

[longjohnsilver]

I've tried most products over many years, but the best by far (and seen recommended on here) is Starbrite Tropical teak oil. Not cheap but well worth the extra imho. Just make sure it's the Tropical version you buy, much better than standard teak oil.

 

[Chris_robb_ndota]

I've tried most products over many years, but the best by far (and seen recommended on here) is Starbrite Tropical teak oil. Not cheap but well worth the extra imho. Just make sure it's the Tropical version you buy, much better than standard teak oil.

I have found the same, the two products are completely different.

 

[FullCircle]

I would not put anything on it at all. Just like my cockpit.

I clean it twice a season with Wessex Teak Cleaner.