Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - lightening teak furniture

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06-22-00, 12:08 PM
I have a very good quality 30 year teak buffet/wall unit that has darkened over the years. In addition, the buffet surface has (I think) a build up of oils that almost hides the grain. Can I get some of this build up off and possibly lighten the wood preferably without completely stripping it down. How much work would this entail?


06-22-00, 03:54 PM
Try cleaning it first. My 40 year old teak
furniture was blackened in a fire; I cleaned it with Amway "Zoom" and it cleaned up beautifully. Other liquid clenaers would probably work also. Years ago I used teak cleaner (sold at boating stores) on a desk and it worked well, but that particular cleaner was pretty strong. Since teak has an oil finish it does tend to collect dust, etc., over the years and darken.