Caring for Unfinished Teak

• 1). Remove any knobs or decorative hardware which would interfere with treatment. It's not usually necessary to remove hinges; these can be covered with painter's tape, if you prefer.
  
  
• 2). Use a sponge to wash the wood with a commercial teak cleaner mixed equally with water.
  
  
• 3). Rinse with clean water and a clean sponge.
  
  
• 4). Allow the cabinets to dry for 12 to 24 hours.
  
  
• 5). Apply a thin layer of teak oil with a clean cloth or foam brush, following the wood's natural grain.
  
  
• 6). Let the cabinets dry for 24 hours before reattaching any hardware.
  
  

Staining Unfinished Teak

• 1). Remove hardware and hinges.
  
  
• 2). Sand older cabinetry with a fine gauge paper. Change the paper often as teak creates a great deal of dust. For new cabinetry, sanding should not be necessary.
  
  
• 3). Allow the cabinets to dry for 12 to 24 hours before staining.
  
  
• 4). Apply a light coat of stain with a soft bristle brush, following the grain of the wood.
  
  
• 5). Let the area dry completely before reattaching any hardware.