How to Stain Teak Furniture

Co-authored by Andres Matheu

Last Updated: December 2, 2024 References

Teak is a large deciduous tree that grows in tropical forests. It’s often used for outdoor furniture, since it’s more resistant to the elements than other types of wood. When untreated, it tends to fade to a greyish color, so it is often stained. Before being able to stain teak furniture, you’ll need to sand and smooth the wood first.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Sanding the Teak

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1
Wipe dirt, dust and debris off. You can use a dry paper towel or a cloth to brush any dirt off. If there are more tenacious spots to clean off, you can use a wet rag to rub them clean.
- If there's any grease, dirt, or dust on the surface of the wood, the stain won't adhere properly.^{[1]
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- Don’t use any cleaning products. You might damage the wood, but you’ll definitely make the staining process more difficult.^{[2]
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Run your hand over the furniture to find any rough spots in the wood. If they need to be sanded down to match the rest of the surface, use this sandpaper to do so. While sanding, check often to make sure the spot is even with the rest of the wood.^{[3]
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Use 220 grit sandpaper on the whole surface. Before staining, you’ll want to make sure the surface is even and prepared to absorb wood stain. Sand the entirety of the surface until it becomes even and smooth to the touch.
- This will help open the pores of the wood, which will allow the stain to adhere better to the surface of the wood.^{[4]
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- Sand along the grain or you risk scratching the wood.
- Wipe any wood dust off with a dry rag before proceeding.^{[5]
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Part 2

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Smoothing the Surface

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1
Paint on a layer of sanding sealer. Use a foam brush to cover the wood in sealer. This will make the surface smoother and will give the wood stain better grip.
- If you want a lighter color, you can dilute the sealer with mineral spirits.^{[6]
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Once the sealer has started to dry, use a clean cloth to wipe off any sealer that’s still pooled atop the wood. This will prevent blotches and spots from forming on the wood. It’ll also keep the surface smooth.^{[7]
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It should only take a few hours for the sealer to dry completely.^{[8]
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4
Pass over your wooden furniture with 220 grit sandpaper. You should sand the surface a few times before proceeding. This will smooth out any spots where the sealer might not have dried evenly.
- Use a rag to wipe off any residue after sanding.^{[9]
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Part 3

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Staining the Teak

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1
Paint on a layer of stain. You can use a variety of tools to do this. A foam or bristle brush will do fine, but you can also use a cloth dipped in stain to color your teak furniture. Apply an even coat all over.
- If there are any parts of the furniture you don’t want to stain, use masking tape to protect them.^{[10]
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- Wood stain comes in both oil-based and water-based formulas. Water-based formulas are more common, but oil-based may last longer.^{[11]
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  Expert Interview. 28 July 2020.}
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Wipe off any stain not absorbed by the wood. Use a clean dry rag to wipe off excess stain. Use a rag you don’t mind dirtying; the wood stain would be incredibly difficult to wash out.
- The longer you leave on the stain before wiping, the darker the color.^{[12]
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The amount of time it takes for the stain to completely dry will depend on how thick of a layer you used. Avoid touching the stain too much if it’s still wet; you might end up with an uneven, blotchy coat.^{[13]
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After the first coat has dried, take a moment to see if you’re satisfied with the color. If you want your furniture to be darker, you can add another coat of wood stain, right on top of the previous layer, following the same process.^{[14]
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Apply a finish to the surface. Use a clean brush to paint on the finish once you’ve gotten the desired color. After applying the finish, make sure to give it plenty of time to dry. There are three main types of finish, each with their own characteristics:
- Oil finishes look closest to wood, but aren’t the best for protecting wood. Avoid using this kind of finish on outdoor furniture.
- Lacquer strike a good balance between attractive finish and durability, but require multiple coats.
- Polyurethane finishes are the most protective of the three, even repelling water.^{[15]
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Which stain lasts longer?

Andres Matheu
Commercial Painter
Andres Matheu is the Owner of Hömm Certified Painting Systems, an Interior and Exterior Residential painting business based in the Washington, DC Metro area. Andres specializes in interior and exterior residential painting, color consultations, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and epoxy flooring among other services. An EPA Lead-safe Certified Firm, Hömm Certified Painting Systems has been awarded the Best of Houzz 2019 Service, Angie's List Super Service Award 2019, and Northern Virginia Magazine's 2018 Best Home Experts (painters) award.

Andres Matheu

Commercial Painter

Expert Answer

An oil-based stain will last longer than a water-based stain. You can choose whichever you prefer, but it's helpful to keep in mind how long they last.

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Do you have to sand wood to restain?

Andres Matheu
Commercial Painter
Andres Matheu is the Owner of Hömm Certified Painting Systems, an Interior and Exterior Residential painting business based in the Washington, DC Metro area. Andres specializes in interior and exterior residential painting, color consultations, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and epoxy flooring among other services. An EPA Lead-safe Certified Firm, Hömm Certified Painting Systems has been awarded the Best of Houzz 2019 Service, Angie's List Super Service Award 2019, and Northern Virginia Magazine's 2018 Best Home Experts (painters) award.

Andres Matheu

Commercial Painter

Expert Answer

It's best to sand it because it will open the pores of the wood. This will allow the wood to soak up the stain.

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Can you stain over dirty wood?

Andres Matheu
Commercial Painter
Andres Matheu is the Owner of Hömm Certified Painting Systems, an Interior and Exterior Residential painting business based in the Washington, DC Metro area. Andres specializes in interior and exterior residential painting, color consultations, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and epoxy flooring among other services. An EPA Lead-safe Certified Firm, Hömm Certified Painting Systems has been awarded the Best of Houzz 2019 Service, Angie's List Super Service Award 2019, and Northern Virginia Magazine's 2018 Best Home Experts (painters) award.

Andres Matheu

Commercial Painter

Expert Answer

No. Staining over dirt, dust, and grime is a bad idea because the stain won't stick to the wood properly. Always clean off the wood before you stain.

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Tips

If there are any gouges or rough areas in your furniture, you can use a wood filler before staining.

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If left outside, teak tends to turn silver-grey as it ages. If your furniture has changed color, it’s especially important to sand it before staining.

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You can get an idea of what color you’ll get from staining by testing these steps on a plank of teak.

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