Old park bench treatment?

[Miss Mousetrousers]

I bought quite an expensive teak hardwood bench when I retired which has had to withstand all the elements including the salty air we have here. Initially, I gently sanded it down and brushed teak oil on it every year, but the weathering got more and more difficult to remove. Last year I used a power-washer on normal hosing and couldn't believe how it restored its original honey colour. Another two coats of teak oil and it looked like new. Did the same this year and all it will need a very light sanding and teak oiling. I wouldn't go anywhere those paint or varnish jobbies even with a cheap one as they flake off no matter what you do.

[Nicos]

^^^^ those were my thoughts...Cuprinol these days seems to be much more plastic feel to it .
Teak oil is what I use on my table and chairs too

Thing is, at sillyo'clock.fr I suddenly thought that there surely was no way the local councils used to weatherproof and treat park benches every year???????
So, if not, what did they use initially...was it just good old seasoned oak before the exotic hardwoods flooded the market?

Just didn't want to make extra work for myself

[bearded bloke]

Ok thanks.
Thing is that in the sun the temperature it will get up to can be as high as 35C and I don't want it coming off on clothing!
Will that still be OK to do?

All the more reason to thin it down & let it soak into the grain, rather than let it sit on the surface

[Nicos]

Brill...perfect answer- much appreciated

[Miss Mousetrousers]

They may have used a better (and seasoned?) softwood than the stuff you get today but, if it's still in good condition, it's worth doing up anyway. Another thing to try is a solvent-based product we've used on our softwood doors. It's supplied by Kingfisher and called K-X10 which you can get in various wood colours: https://www.kingfisheruk.com/wood-stain-k-x10-item-29. Being solvent-based, the wood absorbs it rather than it just being a coating, but wear protective clothing as it tends to splash no matter how careful you are!