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furniture leaving Valley Oak has already received several
coats of Teak oil. The timber is predominantly green therefore,
particularly if these pieces are to be used immediately
in warm environments, or in direct sunlight, they will
need some hard work for their first few months to best
preserve them for the long term.
The timber is green and as such, will shake (crack,
split, twist etc.), adding to the beauty of the piece.
However, the following routine should be undertaken
to prevent drying out too quickly.
Regular liberal applications of Teak oil or Danish
oil to all surfaces including the underside, particularly
during the first 6 months, is strongly advised. These
oils are widely available. Application is best done
in the cool of the evening, to minimise evaporation
and maximise absorption. These oils will not only replenish
some of the evaporated moisture from the surfaces, slowing
the drying period and minimising shaking, but will also
assist in the maintenance and darkening of colour.
Teak oil is a blend of natural oils from vegetable
products.
Danish oil is a blend of various oils, including Tung
oil and Linseed oil.
After the first 12 months, you may choose to cease
oiling altogether, and allow the timber to adopt a natural
silver/grey appearance. To return the piece to its original
colour (although the actual colour will change with
age of course), clean the surfaces thoroughly and sand
them when dry with a belt sander or similar, using a
120 grit paper. Then recommence oiling, although only
as regularly as required.
Please Remember
Oak is an acidic timber, containing tannic acid, particularly
when green. This can result in staining to surfaces
left in long term contact with it. Any slight staining
to patio surfaces etc., should be cleaned with appropriate
cleaners.
If objects containing iron (for instance steel) are
left in contact with the furniture (again, particularly
whilst young), corrosion of the wood may occur. Furthermore,
they will leave a significant blue-black stain of the
surface. The discoloration to the timber surface will
fade with exposure to ultraviolet light.
Oak is a hard, dense wood, naturally long lived and
resistant to the elements, so rain will not harm it.
If a piece is left partially barked, this will drop
off in time. This is to be expected. What this will
do however, is reveal another surface, equally beautiful
in its own way and absolutely natural. This exposed
surface, the pith wood, can be sanded smooth, and oiled
to finish.
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