When the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, it is the best time to prepare your garden furniture and wooden deck for winter. Whether it is a teak bench or decking made of bangkirai or Douglas fir, every type of outdoor wood benefits from a care treatment with OLI-NATURA Yacht & Teak Oil at this time of year. The natural oil refreshes the color, protects against graying with UV-stable pigments, and extends the service life of your teak furniture and wooden decking. This way, garden furniture, deck wood, and more can enter the cold season well protected - and start the new season in spring freshly cared for. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about oiling teak wood, caring for garden furniture, and oiling wooden decks.
Teak wood & wooden furniture prepared for outdoors
- Our application tips
Before on the left, after on the right: OLI-NATURA Yacht & Teak Oil
refreshes the natural color and protects the wood from within.
“Do I need to oil teak wood at all?”
Teak naturally contains oil and protects itself, so it does not necessarily need to be oiled. Over time, however, UV rays and rain break down the lignin in the wood, creating a silvery-gray patina. This is a natural process, but not everyone likes the look. Anyone who wants to preserve the original wood color should regularly re-oil with OLI-NATURA Yacht & Teak Oil - it refreshes the color, protects against graying, and nourishes the surface.
“How do I know when the wood needs re-oiling, and how often?”
If the surface feels rough or has turned gray, it is time for re-oiling - especially if you want to prevent the silvery-gray patina. The frequency depends on the weather: furniture kept outdoors requires more care, while protected furniture requires less. Rule of thumb: oil 1–2 times a year, preferably in spring and autumn.
“Can I oil over an old finish?”
Unfortunately, no. If lacquer or a thick-film stain is still present, it must be completely removed. Oil needs open pores; otherwise, it will not penetrate the wood, will not protect it from within, and will remain as a sticky film on the surface.
“Do I need to sand before re-oiling?”
No - if the wood has already been naturally oiled and is not heavily grayed, thorough cleaning followed by re-oiling is sufficient. Sanding is only necessary for old lacquers, stains, or heavy gray discoloration.
Simply pour into a bowl - this makes it easy to dose the teak oil.
Apply thinly and evenly in the direction of the grain - remove excess after 15–20 minutes.
“How do I apply the oil correctly?”
It is best to apply it thinly and evenly with a brush, roller, or pad in the direction of the grain. Important: Remove excess oil after 15–20 minutes with a lint-free cloth to prevent sticky areas caused by over-oiling. If necessary, the application can be repeated the next day.
“How do I properly prepare my wood for oiling?”
First, clean thoroughly with a brush and mild outdoor cleaner and allow the wood to dry thoroughly. Smooth raised fibers with a sanding sponge and remove dust from the surface. A pressure washer can also be used, but only carefully: use low pressure, a fan jet, maintain distance, and work in the direction of the grain. This works well with hardwoods such as teak, bangkirai, or Douglas fir. If the surface is gray, a wood brightener helps; for deeper graying, stains, or rough wood, sanding is the best solution.
Untreated (top) - oiled (bottom): This is how OLI-NATURA Yacht & Teak Oil in the color "Teak" looks on different types of wood. 1-5 teak, bangkirai, cumaru, Douglas fir, larch.
“Can Yacht & Teak Oil in the Teak color also be used on other types of wood?”
Of course! The pigments are so subtle that they do not artificially turn acacia, eucalyptus, black locust, bangkirai, Douglas fir, larch, garapa, or cumaru “teak.” They merely emphasize the natural color and highlight the grain. Another advantage: the slight color content provides extra UV protection and delays graying.
“Why do I sometimes need more or less oil than specified?”
Because every type of wood absorbs differently - and it also makes a difference whether you are oiling for the first time or re-oiling, as well as how heavily the wood has been exposed to wear. A depleted surface stressed by sun and rain absorbs significantly more oil than a new surface. As a rough guide, allow 40–80 g per square meter per application.
“How should I handle oil-soaked cloths?”
When oxidatively drying oils dry, they generate heat. In crumpled, oil-soaked rags, this heat cannot escape, meaning they can self-ignite under unfavorable conditions. Therefore, never leave them lying around carelessly! It is best to wet the cloths with water immediately, spread them out to dry outdoors, and then dispose of them.
Product tip: OLI-NATURA Yacht & Teak Oil - whether as deck oil or care set
For refreshing garden furniture, the OLI-NATURA Care Set No. 5 is ideal: 250 ml Yacht & Teak Oil Teak with UV protection, plus brush, pad, sanding sponge, oil-absorbing cloth, and instructions - everything you need for oiling garden furniture.
The natural oil made from linseed oil is biocide-free and therefore safe for people, animals, and plants - and it is also suitable for indoor use.
👉 In short: The care set is the practical solution for teak furniture, while the larger containers are the best choice for anyone who wants to oil their wooden deck and care for outdoor wood.
Do you have any more questions about oiling teak wood or using OLI-NATURA Yacht & Teak Oil?”
Our team will be happy to advise you:
📧 Email: faq@oli-lacke.de
📞 Tel: +49 (0) 37208 / 84-488
Article by Sylke Schubert, published on September 25, 2025
