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Re-finished an old teak desk which had suffered from sun exposure on parts and black stains from potted plants. Rubbed it hard first with denatured alcohol, then laquer thinner to remove any residual natural teak oil or finishes, wax, etc. Then removed stains with oxalic acid. Rinsed, applied Watco natural teak oil and rubbed –hard. Looks great, but still smells up living room with teak oil odor after a full week. Concerned about leaving objects on top with outgassing going on. What can I do to stop this? Or accelerate it to completion.
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I THINK Watco cures by oxidation, so just keep the air and heat energy coming to it until it eventually cures. I don't use oil finishes much any more -- too slow and too fragile -- But as I recall, they take 2 - 3 weeks to cure out.
Try putting the piece outside, out of the sun and off the ground, in a place where there is good air circulation. Or, try putting it in the warmest corner of the house with a fan on it -- the air circulation does help.
Michael R.
*Michael Thanks for your response. It must be good, (because is confirms what I figured had to do). In fact, since my first posting, I've been following your exact procedure except I haven't put it outside. We've had some extremely hot days lately and I don't have a safe place to be sure it's in the shade. Too many trees and birds, or full sunlight on 95+ degree days. In the house, windows open, exhaust fan running, it has gotten much better in the last 4 days.This was my first critical piece of re-finishing teak, and I wanted to be sure I hadn't made a ghastly mistake.graeme
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