Faux Teak

[John Gregory]

I have a friend that has some fake teak furniture he wants to paint. Some foreign wood sold as "Teak-oiled" wood. Does he need to use an oil base paint? Would gripper or something like that work as a base coat?

Thanks

[Scott Holmes]

Teak wood has an oily trait; it is not an oil that is harvested and used to treat wood. Most Tung oil and teak oil products are linseed oil or an oil/varnish blend. There is "pure" tung oil but by itself it is not a good finish.

Dewaxed shellac (Zinsser Seal coat) is a universal sealer. It will provide a barrier coat between whatever is on the wood now and the freash coat of paint.

FYI don't use wall paint on furniture.

[John Gregory]

Thanks Scott!

[Rich Engelhardt]

B*I*N (another Zinsser product) might be the better choice for a primer/sealer since the items are going to be painted.
B*I*N is pigmented shellac - it has a white color to it.
It can also be tinted to come close to the finish paint & IMHO - it sands down easier than plain shellac for a smoother finish w/a little less effort.