Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries

I have a teak blanket chest very similar to the one pictured n the link, below. How can I care for this? It's intricately carved, is it okay to use teak oil on it?

Link :A CHINESE TEAK AND CAMPHOR WOOD LINED BLANKET CHEST BY GEORGE ZEE & CO

The first thing to remember is that 'teak oil' contains nothing from the teak tree. The 'teak oil' I was introduced to in Asia consisted of equal parts of turpentine and boiled linseed oil if I recall correctly. If that is the type you are considering using on your chest, then be prepared eventually to find the coats accumulating into a varnish-like film that gradually will darken the wood and possibly dry it out by preventing absorption of moisture. There are other formulations of teak oil which you may want to research online to make sure it will work as intended on your teakwood chest.

Good luck,

Bill H.

Hi Bill, thanks for your quick reply. Can you suggest something else I could use?
Marilyn

Since your link to the example isn't functioning, I'm guessing your George Zee teak chest probably has some sort of shop-applied finish. Here's a link to information on a beeswax-based product I've used on a variety of furniture pieces and finishes with good results. This is an online listing by Home Depot. The price looks competitive to me, but I can't guarantee it is being offered where you live.

Best regards,

Bill H.

URL Title :Howards Feed & Wax

Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |