How to Finish Teak Flooring
Teak hardwood is an exotic hardwood found in the highlands of southeast Asia. It has a high content of natural oils, which means it must be finished differently than other hardwoods. Teak is used mostly on the exterior of a home, but it can be used on the interior. It can be purchased in various widths of tongue-and-groove for an interior floor, and after it has been finished, it is durable and beautiful. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mineral spirits/paint thinner
- Cotton rags
- Floor sander
- Sanding edger
- Orbital sander
- Stain
- Stain brush
- Polyurethane finish
- Foam applicator
Instructions
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1
Wet a cotton rag with mineral spirits and wipe away the excess oils on the surface of the teak wood. Because teak wood is oily by nature, it is quite common for the oils to rest on the surface of unfinished boards. Without removing this oil, you will not be able to sand, stain or finish the teak. Allow the floor to dry before proceeding.
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2
Sand the floor with a belt sander made for hardwood floors. Sand in the direction of the grain of the wood. Begin sanding with an 80-grit belt to even the floor boards. Use a 120-grit belt to smooth the floor and a 220-grit belt to add a finishing touch. Use the edging sander and orbital sander to reach areas of the floor near the wall and in corners.
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3
Apply wood conditioner to the floor using a cotton rag. The conditioner will seal the oils inside the wood and prevent blotches. Allow the conditioner to dry for two to four hours before you apply the stain.
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Apply wood stain to the floor using a large stain brush and a cotton rag. Use the brush to apply the stain and the cotton rag to wipe away any excess. Use gel stain for a deep ambient color.
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5
Apply the first coat of polyurethane finish to your teak floor using a foam applicator. Apply the polyurethane to the areas near the walls and in the corners. Then pour the polyurethane onto the floor and spread it out with the applicator. Allow it to dry.
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Load a floor polisher with a 120-grit sanding screen. Polish the floor to remove the raised grain of the wood, making it smooth. Add another coat of finish, then sand again. You can add up to five coats of finish, but make sure that you sand in between each coat.
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Tips & Warnings
You can purchase a special foam applicator from almost any hardware or paint store.
As an alternative to staining and varnishing your teak floors, use tongue oil. The oil can be wiped on with a cotton rag and reapplied every year for a shine finish. The oil will not protect the wood from scratches or dents, but it will provide a deep ambient shine.
Always wear a dust mask when sanding your floors.
