Q:

I have a teak table to refinish. Will I need a sealer under the finish? What finish do you recommend?

Robert A. Funk, Hollister, CA

A:

Teak has a reputation for being difficult to finish because the oils in the wood may interfere with finish adhesion. But teak is no more difficult to finish than any other wood species, provided you use solvent-based finishes (as opposed to water-based). A solvent-based brushing varnish is a good choice.

Whether you use a sealer (sometimes called a sanding sealer) first or varnish alone, make sure you wipe down the table with a rag soaked in mineral spirits to remove the surface oil before you begin. This method also applies to other oily woods such as cocobolo and rosewood.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Foam Brushes

Foam brushes are great for applying a variety of stains and finishes, and the 2" wide brush is the most versatile. Comes in a pack of 48.

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Waterlox Original

Versatile wiping varnish is easy to apply and great for both satin and gloss finishes.

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Diablo ‘SandNet’ Sanding Discs

While Diablo’s SandNet disks perform similarly to conventional paper abrasives in terms of material removal and surface prep (with some exceptions at the lower grits), they make keeping your work surface and work area clean much easier, thanks to the great dust collection possible with them.

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