Frequently Asked Questions about OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil
Which types of wood and surfaces is OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil suitable for?
The exterior oil is suitable for untreated, oiled or freshly sanded exterior wood, especially teak, bangkirai, eucalyptus, black locust and other hardwoods, as well as pressure-treated softwood. Typical applications include terraces, garden furniture, pool surrounds and wooden surfaces on boats.
Does the oil permanently prevent graying?
No. OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil delays drying out and graying, but cannot permanently prevent natural weathering. The duration of protection depends on the type of wood, construction, UV exposure, weather conditions and use.
How often does oiled exterior wood need maintenance?
Inspect the surface at least once a year and refresh it once or twice a year, depending on the level of use. The wood should be re-oiled at the latest when the color fades, water is absorbed quickly, or the wood appears dry and rough.
Why does treated wood still turn gray or black?
Possible causes include UV radiation, standing moisture, dirt, algae, fungi or maintenance intervals that are too long. Inadequate ventilation and poorly draining water can also promote discoloration. Thoroughly clean affected areas before re-oiling and allow them to dry completely.
Does the oil protect against mold and mildew stains?
The oil is biocide-free and contains no protection against algae or fungi. Infestation can therefore occur on permanently damp, dirty or poorly ventilated surfaces. Water must be able to drain away freely, and the wood must be able to dry quickly after rain.
Is OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil waterproof?
No. The oil makes the wood water-repellent but does not create a waterproof seal. Prolonged moisture, standing water and use below the waterline must be avoided.
How must the wood be pretreated?
The wood must be clean, dry, free of grease and absorbent. Completely remove old film-forming coatings. Sand the wood properly and evenly, then thoroughly remove all dust. Clean dirty or grayed surfaces beforehand and allow them to dry completely.
Does new wood also need to be cleaned before oiling?
Even new wood may be soiled by storage, transport, or processing. Remove dust, grease, and other residues, and allow the surface to dry completely. For very smooth or planed wood, check beforehand whether it absorbs the oil evenly.
Can I apply OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil to lacquered wood?
No. Old paint and lacquer coatings must be removed completely so that the oil can penetrate the wood. Thoroughly clean old open-pore oil coatings and allow them to dry completely.
Can I oil weathered or algae-covered wood directly?
No. Remove weathering, algae, moss, and other deposits with a suitable exterior cleaner before oiling. Rinse with clean water, allow to dry completely, and lightly smooth any raised wood fibers if necessary.
At what temperatures and in what weather conditions should I oil?
Application should take place at 15 to 25 °C in dry weather. Do not oil in bright sunlight, extreme heat, high humidity, or when rain is likely. Dew at night can also impair drying.
How should OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil be applied correctly?
Shake or stir the container thoroughly. Apply the oil thinly and evenly in the direction of the grain using a brush, flat brush, or roller. After 15 to 30 minutes, remove all excess with a cotton cloth, oil-absorbent cloth, or white pad, and polish. The surface should then feel dry to the touch and not oily.
Why should end grain be treated with particular care?
End grain, or end faces, absorbs particularly large amounts of moisture. Therefore, oil these areas carefully and evenly without allowing excess material to remain. At the same time, ensure that water can drain away and the wood can dry again.
Are several coats always better?
No. The number of coats depends on the wood's absorbency. Dense hardwoods such as teak usually need only one very thin coat. Severely dried-out or absorbent wood may need a second thin coat after drying overnight.
Why does the surface remain sticky or oily?
Common causes include applying too much product, failing to remove excess product, a slightly non-absorbent substrate, or residual moisture in the wood. Low temperatures, high humidity, and insufficient air circulation can also delay drying.
What can I do if the surface is already sticky?
Remove any excess product that is still fresh with a clean, absorbent cloth and polish the surface dry. Allow oil that has already started to cure to continue curing in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated environment. If the surface remains sticky, contact OLI-NATURA Customer Service before applying another treatment.
How long does OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil take to dry?
Under suitable conditions, the surface is dust-dry after approximately one to two hours and fully cured after around five days. Low temperatures, high humidity, insufficient air circulation, or applying the product too thickly will extend the drying time.
When can freshly oiled wood get wet again?
Protect freshly oiled wood from rain, water, and damp cleaning for five to eight days. If the surface gets wet too soon, stains, washout, or drying problems may occur.
Why does the color look different on my wood than expected?
The color effect can vary depending on the type of wood, its natural color, grain, and sanding. Images and on-screen displays are for guidance only. If in doubt, test the product beforehand on the actual wood. Convenient 20-ml samplers are available for this purpose.
Is the Natur color truly colorless?
Natur contains no pigments, but it is not optically invisible. Like any color-enhancing oil, it deepens the existing wood tone and makes the color and grain appear more vibrant. If in doubt, test it beforehand on the actual wood using a 20-ml sampler.
How strongly does the Teak color tint the wood?
Teak is lightly pigmented and enhances warm wood tones without covering the wood with an opaque color. On light-colored or highly absorbent woods, the color effect may be more intense or reddish. If in doubt, test it beforehand on the actual wood using a 20-ml sampler.
Why are there deposits or pigment particles in the container?
Color pigments can settle at the bottom of the container during storage. Therefore, stir the oil thoroughly before and during application. If solid components cannot be incorporated evenly, do not use the product and contact customer service.
How far does OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil go?
Depending on the type and absorbency of the wood, consumption is approximately 40 to 80 g/m², or 12 to 25 m² per liter and coat. Rough, very dry, or particularly absorbent wood requires more material.
Can I use the oil on bamboo or WPC?
OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil was developed for absorbent wood. Bamboo, WPC, and modified materials may absorb oil very differently or not at all. Therefore, follow the material manufacturer's instructions and, if in doubt, test the product on a small area. The oil may remain sticky on non-absorbent surfaces.
Is OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil also suitable for indoor furniture?
The oil can be used on suitable indoor wood surfaces, but it is specifically formulated for exterior wood. For dining tables, worktops, and other indoor furniture, we recommend an interior oil suited to the application.
Does OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil contain biocides?
No. The oil is biocide-free and contains no chemical film protection against algae or fungi. The Teak variant provides increased UV protection through its pigmentation.
Can oil-soaked cloths and pads spontaneously combust?
Yes. OLI NATURA® Yacht & Teak Oil contains drying oils that cure by absorbing oxygen from the air. This generates heat. On the wood surface, the heat can dissipate; in crumpled cloths, pads, or sponges, it can build up and cause spontaneous combustion. The product itself is not self-igniting.
Therefore, never leave oil-soaked work materials crumpled up. After use, store them under water or lay them out individually and flat in a safe place to dry completely. Then dispose of them in accordance with local regulations. Never put oil-soaked materials in a tumble dryer.
