How to Restore and Maintain Your ARB Teak Park Bench: A Step-by-Step Guide
ARB Teak & Specialties is renowned for high-quality, luxurious teak products that stand the test of time. With proper care, your ARB Teak Park bench can remain as stunning as the day you bought it, even after 15+ years. This guide, along with helpful videos, will walk you through the process of cleaning and restoring your cherished bench.
Why Choose Teak? Teak wood is prized for its durability, resistance to the elements, and beautiful aging process. Over time, teak furniture develops a silver-gray patina, which some adore, while others prefer the original honey-brown hue. Maintaining your teak furniture, regardless of your preference, is a worthwhile endeavor.
Materials You'll Need:
- Pressure washer (for this specific case)
- Sandpaper (various grits, preferably fine to medium)
- Garden hose
- Protective gloves
Step 1: Initial Cleaning with a Pressure Washer While ARB Teak generally advises against using a pressure washer due to potential wood damage, it was necessary for this bench given its 15+ years of exposure and lack of previous cleaning.
- Preparation: Ensure your work area is clear and you have all materials ready. Wear protective gloves.
- Pressure Washing: Use a low setting to clean the bench thoroughly, removing surface dirt, grime, and green spots. Avoid high pressure to prevent wood damage.
Step 2: Drying the Bench Allow the bench to dry completely before proceeding. This ensures the wood is in the best condition for sanding.
Step 3: Sanding the Bench Once dry, sand the bench to smooth the wood, remove surface imperfections, and restore the natural color of teak.
- Sanding: Use fine to medium grit sandpaper, focusing on visible spots or rough patches. Sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.
- Clean Again: Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust and debris after sanding.
Step 4: Final Touches After sanding, your bench should look significantly cleaner and smoother. ARB Teak does not recommend using teak oil; the natural beauty of the wood will shine through after sanding.
- Final Rinse: If needed, give the bench a final rinse with a garden hose to remove any remaining dust from sanding. Let it dry completely.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your bench regularly with mild soap and water to prevent dirt buildup.
- Cover or Store: During harsh weather, cover your bench or store it indoors to prolong its life.
- Use a Hard Bristle Brush: Use it with dishwashing soap for great results.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to simple dishwashing soap as recommended in the teak care guide.
Conclusion Restoring and maintaining your ARB Teak Park bench is a simple process that can bring years of enjoyment and beauty back to your outdoor space. Follow these steps and refer to our detailed videos for a comprehensive guide.
