Don’t paint a teak bench. This is the easy way out and the almost universal answer to the question. Teak furniture is a worthwhile investment that goes great in the backyard, at home, or wherever it’s needed. Durable and durable Class 1 hardwood ranges from light straw color to deeper, richer tones. Due to its admirable characteristics, it usually costs a little more than other types of wood, but customers know that they are getting a good buy for their money. That being said, why would anyone try to cover a teak bench with paint or stain? The reality is, if your furniture is scratched, old, or just plain shabby, the prospect of a fresh coat of paint can sound really appealing and sometimes the best option. However, before breaking the brush, make sure you know what you are doing. A failed foray into paint will only make the wood look worse than when it started.
However, in addition to simply covering the beautiful grain and color of the wood, painting a teak bench is discouraged for a more logistical reason. The reason? Teak is very difficult to paint because wood produces natural oils that make it very difficult for paint to adhere. On the positive side, these oils help prevent wood from splitting and cracking, as well as repel fungal and insect infestations.
If you still insist on getting on with the project, you will need to clean the surface of the wood first. A finished surface should be cleaned with mineral spirits to remove grease, wax or other dirt. If the wood is not finished or you decide to remove the finish, you will need to clean the wood with acetone. Acetone breaks down natural oils. Failure to do so will not allow the primer to adhere properly. Then use soft sandpaper or a scotchbrite pad to smooth the outer surface. Once the wood is clean and even, apply a coat of primer, such as Zinsser 123, for example. Let the primer dry completely, which usually takes about a day, before proceeding to paint. Try to use only latex exterior paints. Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are probably the two most popular brands on the market. Using a glossy or semi-gloss paint is best to keep dirt out. Whichever you choose, apply an even coat to your teak bench, then let it set. After it has completely dried, apply a second coat of paint. The more coats you apply, the stronger the color will be, and especially since teak is such an absorbent wood, you may want to use three coats.
Now you are done and hopefully you have achieved the results you were looking for. Unfortunately, even those who are extremely careful may find the results of painting a teak bench disappointing. Paint, especially after a while, tends to peel or even scratch the wood, and delicate teak is especially known for this. Before attempting to paint, the best course of action is to consult a specialist at your local hardware and garden store who can recommend a product for your specific case.
So should you paint a teak bench? The answer is still yes and no. If you do a good job with it, paint can breathe new life into old, dilapidated furniture. Plus, with the countless paint colors available, you have the advantage of being able to match the furniture with other décor. In conclusion, the painting depends on what you own. New teak furniture doesn’t really benefit from being painted. You’re just hiding the natural beauty of the wood, which you probably paid more for, anyway. When shopping for new furniture, use a sealant once or twice a year to protect it. The natural oils in the wood will help your teak bench continue to look great on its own, with little maintenance required.