Why Experts Advise Against Teak Oil and Preservatives
Teak memorial benches are justly renowned for their natural beauty and legendary resilience, making them the ultimate choice for an enduring outdoor tribute in the UK. However, there's a constant debate; to oil or not to oil?
At Memorial Benches UK, our expert advice is firm. We strongly advise against applying oils, dyes or preservatives to your Teak memorial bench. Understanding why this advice contradicts common garden centre wisdom is crucial to preserving your tribute and protecting your investment.
The Hidden Cost of Teak Care Products
The market is flooded with teak care products, oils, dyes and 'sealers' all promising to maintain that golden brown colour. But these products often come with a hefty price tag and may contain chemicals that could strip away the very element crucial for your teak's health, its natural oils and minerals.
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Stripping Power- These substances can inadvertently dissolve the natural sebum present deep within the teak's grain, which is what makes the wood naturally resistant to rot and water damage.
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Continuous Dependency- Once you subject your memorial teak bench to these treatments, you risk diminishing its natural, self-cleaning and self-preserving properties. The timber becomes reliant on continuous, costly treatments rather than relying on its innate, durable nature.
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The Silver Lining - Why Natural Aging is Best
The hallmark of a quality Teak memorial bench is its ability to weather naturally. When left untreated, the wood will transition from a warm, golden brown to a stunning, uniform silvery grey patina. This aesthetic transformation is desirable, highly valued and does not compromise the wood’s strength or lifespan.
Warning - Voiding Your Guarantee and Causing Damage
It is important to note that the use of teak oils, teak dyes and teak preservatives may curtail the lifespan of your memorial teak bench and it also voids our 10 year guarantee.
Crucial Maintenance Tip: Never apply teak oils to a memorial bench that is either damp, dirty or has already begun to silver due to ageing. Applying oil in these conditions traps moisture and dirt, often resulting in the bench turning an unsightly black or a patchy, dark grey.
The Right Way to Clean Your Memorial Teak Bench
If you're looking to clean away dirt, algae and fallout from the sky, or reduce the 'greying' effect often found on ageing Teak memorial benches, we recommend a gentle, non-stripping cleaning solution.
We sell a gentle Teak Bench Cleaner which will safely clean most dirt, algae and silver from your Memorial Bench. Unlike harsh oils, this product is designed to lift surface contaminants without stripping the core natural oils.
You can purchase our Recommended Teak Cleaner here.
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