Cleaning teak with Teak Cleaner
Clean the wood before applying a Golden Care colour protector or Shield. Also check for any previous oil or coating treatments and the care instructions for your furniture.
Use Teak Cleaner according to the label, with the recommended tool. Follow the preparation and dwell time instructions on your bottle. Do not extend the dwell time on your own in cases of heavier soiling.
Rinse according to the directions and allow the wood to dry completely. Follow up with a treatment to ensure a clean, smooth and dust-free surface.
Preserve the color of teak with Teak Protector
Teak Protector is the colour treatment in the Golden Care maintenance routine. You can maintain a warm wood colour, choose a lighter shade or deliberately opt for grey or dark wood. Our range includes eight colour options.
Which Teak Protector colour suits your furniture?
- Honey Brown: warm honey brown.
- Blonde: a light, beige blonde shade.
- Natural Brown: a natural brown wood colour.
- Red Brown: a reddish-brown finish.
- Instant Grey: an immediate grey colour.
- Vintage: a dark brown appearance.
- Wengé: coffee brown to black-brown.
- Charcoal: a black finish.
The wood species, weathering and previous treatment all influence the result. First test the colour on an inconspicuous area of clean, dry wood and assess it in daylight once dry. Each product page provides more information and current availability.
Would you like transparent protection for the existing wood colour or natural grey patina? See Teak Shield. Shield is not a Teak Protector colour option. Instant Grey, by contrast, is a colour treatment that turns the wood grey straight away.
Is your teak new? First check the maintenance instructions for your furniture. Golden Care recommends allowing new hardwood to weather outdoors first and tailoring further treatment to the desired look. Before applying a subsequent treatment, clean the wood with Teak Cleaner and allow it to dry completely. Also check the directions on the product label; a fixed period of two weeks does not automatically apply to all furniture.
Apply Protector according to the label to clean, completely dry and dust-free wood. If you want to use Shield afterwards, allow the Protector to dry for 24 hours.
Restoring greyed teak
Teak naturally greys outdoors. First, decide on the look you want: a natural grey patina or a colour treatment.
Start with a suitable cleaning method according to the product and furniture instructions. Allow the wood to dry completely and then assess the surface. Choose a suitable colour protector for the desired wood colour; for a transparent, water- and dirt-repellent treatment, consider Shield.
Is the surface rough or is there an old finish still on it? Ask for advice before you start sanding. Preparation depends on the piece of furniture and its previous treatment; a single grit size is not a general rule.
Compare the eight options in the colour overview in step 2 before choosing your colour treatment.
Protect teak from stains with Teak Shield
Teak Shield is a transparent water- and dirt-repellent treatment for teak and hardwood. It helps prevent stains and also suits a natural grey patina. Would you like to maintain or change the wood colour? Choose a suitable colour protector from the overview of all eight colours.
Clean the wood before the subsequent treatment and let it dry completely. Work on clean, smooth, and dust-free wood. Follow the label for the aid, the coats, and the further drying time.
Are you also choosing a colour protector? Apply it first to the prepared surface. Let Golden Care Teak Protector dry for 24 hours before applying Teak Shield. For the other drying times and coats, follow the instructions on the individual bottles.
Frequently asked questions about maintaining teak garden furniture
How often should I maintain teak garden furniture?+
At least once a year, preferably twice: at the beginning of spring and mid-season or in the autumn. Clean it as soon as you notice dirt, green deposits or discoloration. The more regularly you maintain it, the less intensive each treatment needs to be.
Does teak turn grey on its own if you do nothing?+
Yes. Untreated teak turns grey outdoors within a few months due to UV radiation, rain and temperature fluctuations. This is a natural process. If you want to preserve the warm teak colour, treat it in good time with Teak Protector. Do you prefer the grey colour? Then Teak Shield is the best way to protect the wood — it provides protection without changing the colour.
Can I still restore greyed teak?+
Start by cleaning according to the product instructions and allow the wood to dry completely. Then decide on the look you want: a colour protector for the chosen wood colour or Shield for a transparent, water- and dirt-repellent treatment. If there is an old finish or if the wood is untreated, ask for advice on preparation.
Which product should I use first on new teak?+
First, check the maintenance instructions for your furniture. Golden Care recommends allowing new hardwood to weather outdoors first. Tailor further treatment to the desired appearance and the condition of the wood. Clean before re-treating and allow it to dry completely. Follow the product label; treating immediately within two weeks is not a general rule.
What is the difference between Teak Protector and Teak Shield?+
Teak Protector is the color-enhancing step. Teak Shield is a transparent, water- and dirt-repellent treatment that helps prevent stains. If you want to combine them, apply Protector first and let it dry for 24 hours before using Shield. Also follow the instructions on both labels.
Should I sand teak before treating it?+
Not automatically. First check the furniture instructions, the surface, and any previous oil or coating treatment. Clean according to the product instructions. If sanding is necessary, choose the approach based on the advice for your furniture and finish; a single grit is not suitable for every situation.
Can I use a pressure washer on teak?+
No, we strongly advise against it. A pressure washer damages the wood grain and leaves a rough surface that actually traps more dirt and grime. Always use a scrubbing pad with Teak Cleaner — it gives better and safer results.