How to Sand Teak Wood

Clean teak wood thoroughly with a small amount of mild soap and warm water. Wash the wood with a soft cloth to remove grime and oxidation. You may purchase a cleanser specifically made for teak wood, if you prefer.

Allow the teak wood to dry for 24 hours before sanding.

Sand off oxidation to the wood with a 320-grit sandpaper, moving only in the direction of the grain. There is no need to sand roughly or deeply; a light sanding will soon reveal the beauty of the original wood. Cross-grain sanding may gouge and leave marks in the wood.

Sand any tight and hard-to-reach areas on furniture with a fine-grade sanding wedge. These sponges are offered by Norton and 3M and fit well into tricky spaces. Maintain sanding in the direction of the grain so you do not damage the wood.

Remove sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth, making sure to remove any gritty residue. You may choose to wash the wood again and allow it to dry for 24 hours before applying teak oil to the wood.

Brush a light layer of teak oil on the wood with a clean paintbrush, moving in the direction of the grain. Allow the oil to dry for one hour and then apply a second. A third coat may be needed for you to reach the desired color.

Remove any residual oil on the teak with a soft cloth after the last coat has dried. Gently buff the wood in circular motions with the cloth.