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Asking TeaQua Sam
We enjoy answering any of your questions and would love to post them here on the Q&A page. Please e-mail Sam at teaqua@teaqua.com with your questions and comments. Tell us where you're from.
Q.- Sam,
We prefer an oiled look on our teak but maintaining it has been a nightmare. We have just scrubbed the teak clean and would like to use TeaQua. What type of appearance and what kind of results can we expect from our first application? Susan-Savannah Georgia
A.- Dear Susan,
Thanks for writing! A very good example of what you can expect is at the bottom of each page on the TeaQua website. The image that is located next to the TeaQua quart can was taken after a one coat application. The surface was cleaned with (and I highly recommend this) Spic and Span, then treated. The end result is a classic oiled look. TeaQua penetrates deep into the surface, stays tough and long lasting. Once treated with TeaQua you will spend alot less time maintaining your teak. I'm a sailor and believe me, I know what I'd rather be doing.
Q.- Dear Sam,
We like what we see in the website photos. Why do some appear to be a different color than others?
Jeff -Miami Florida
A.- Great question Jeff! The final appearance of the TeaQua application has everything to do with the surface your treating. TeaQua has the ability penetrate existing non-hardened coatings. Since TeaQua is translucent when applying, existing color will influence the shading. As an important feature, TeaQua's pigment/sealer distributes a natural oil blended teak tone, ensuring an even appearance throughout the application.
Q.- Hi Sam,
My wife and I just purchased an older sailboat with teak decking. TeaQua came highly recommended by a fellow sailor. After making the necessary repairs we would like to use TeaQua on our deck. We are concerned about safety and water on the deck area. Is TeaQua slippery when wet? Allen -Geneva Ohio
A.- Allen,
As a veteran sailor and having gone down on my rump because of a poor surface more times than I care to remember, alot of planning went into the TeaQua formula. Safety was in fact a major concern. Unlike varnish or other hardened coatings, TeaQua's compound formula cures in a way that does not leave a hard slick surface. The surface texture is the same as natural teak. The formula cures within the grain and does not leave a dense overlay. Less time crashing down on your rump helps keep the peace around the ship! Good luck with your new boat!
Q.-Dear Sam,
How often do you have to treat your teak? I know with teak oil or linseed oil you have to treat it about twice a year. Also, can this be used on cedar?
Bertha-Valencia California
A.- Dear Bertha,
The TeaQua formula is in fact a dramatically enhanced oil that is designed to last against weather and sun. From my own experience (and this is in a harsh damp environment) an annual refresher coat is a good idea to keep your teak looking sharp. However, I do hear many times from others that after two years the original application has held up beautifully. Of course the use of the application such as in a harsh marine environment vs. patio furniture could effect longevity. The general consensus is one to two years. In answer to your second question, I have personally used TeaQua on cedar and the end result is this: when applying, TeaQua is translucent with a slight tint from the TeaQua pigment. This is more apparent than teak when applying to cedar. When the compound is cured, TeaQua leaves a rich tone without the tint being obvious. The lasting results are the same. Thanks Bertha.
Q.- Dear Sam,
I have a teak grate in my rose garden and a teak bench that has weathered over time. I have from time to time oiled them both. If I am unable to remove all the gray, would TeaQua be right for this job?
Kathryn-Appleton Wisconsin
A.-Dear Kathryn,
The surface of both your grate and bench should be cleaned with a good detergent and water before applying TeaQua. It is not always possible to strip all of the surface area. When TeaQua is applied to weathered teak, the pigment within TeaQua's oil will give the graying surface a deep rich tone much like the natural grain. TeaQua can blend dissimilar surfaces nicely. A good example of this is on our website home page marked before and after. In that application TeaQua not only covered gray but was able to penetrate an existing coating evenly.
Hi Sam,
I'm looking forward to receiving the TeaQua. Here's my story; I'm re-doing my
teak bow pulpit, (among other things). It was varnished. I have
scraped all of the varnish off the wood, and sanded it with
80-grit sandpaper. The surface is now clean and smooth. Do I need to sand the
wood with a finer grit? For other surfaces, i.e. wooden rails, may
I sand with a finer grit? Is it advisable to clean the wood with a
detergent? I could have sworn I read the wood should be washed with Spic &
Span. If I do need to wash the wood, how long should I let it dry before
applying the TeaQua? Thanks Sam.
Ken-Evenston, IL.
A-
Hi Ken,
I happened to be in front of the computer (no rest for the TeaQua guy) when you
chimed in tonight. I truly believe that the way to go is with an 80-100
grit paper. Your getting a smooth finish and certainly opening the grain just
enough at the substrate for proper absorption. Applying to the bow pulpit first
is a good way to see the results before you continue to the rails. I think
you'll find that the finish at the bow will do nicely. Spic and Span happens to
be an excellent detergent yet mildly abrasive and easy to rinse away. If the
surface is dirty or grayed it would be wise to cleanse before treating. If you
have very recently sanded, it will not be necessary. It is important for the
surface to be completely dry. The effect you are going to get will be at first a
shiny oil look. That oil is designed to dissipate while curing and penetrating
within a short time. The end result will be a highly durable, sealed satin/matte
look. You will find that when touch ups are needed due to nicks or high traffic
areas, the TeaQua pigment will blend perfectly. Thanks Ken. If you need me I'll
be here for you.
Q
Hello,I wonder if you can give me some advice. I purchased some outdoor
(garden) folding chairs in teak. I treated them with a teak oil from home
depot (Watco Teak oil finish). After about a month, the oil washed out.
The chairs started cracking on the front pivot point. Is this because of
the oil I was using? I don't think the oil had a sealer finish in it.
Will your Teaqua oil stop any of my other chairs from cracking?, and how
often do these chairs need to be treated? Does your product have a sealer
built into it, or do I have to put a sealer on top of your oil. I live in
NJ. Looking forward to your response.
Regards, Mark-New Jersey
A-Dear Mark,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately it sounds like the structural
integrity of the pieces may have caused the problem. The fact that you're
suggesting it was more than one chair tells me it may be a flaw in design.
If the cracks that your seeing reach the center of the pivot you should be
careful of the structure. If they are surface micro cracks, they may be caused
by extreme drying. In that case deep penetration and good sealing will certainly
help the problem. You should however be certain that your safety is not in
jeopardy. It is not typical of Teak oil to cause cracking but it is typical of
Teak oil to fade within a month. TeaQua oil, pigment and sealer is designed to
withstand severe conditions in a marine environment. The reason for the high
rate of success we have had with Teak furniture is an obvious one. The short
answer is this: since TeaQua can handle a severe marine environment, it does
more than exceptionally well in the backyard. We have reports of two and three
years between treatments dependant upon types of exposure. TeaQua has the
ability to cure within the grain and is actually sealing as it cures. The
results are remarkable. Thank you for your question Mark and I sincerely hope
that I was helpful. If I may ask Mark, how did you find us and may I use
your question on our website? It's a good one.
A-
I did a search on msn under teak repairs and you guys came up. We did some research and your product is by far superior to other products out there. You can use my question on your website. Tell me how much oil will I need to do about 12 arm chairs and a table?
Mark-New Jersey
