Ceramic Material Properties
Gloster ceramic table tops are made from a solid ceramic slab. Whilst the name suggests fragility, ceramic is actually harder than granite
and is workable using techniques normally applied to glass and natural stone. Ceramic table tops are chemical resistant, fireproof, UV
and heat resistant. Water absorption is close to zero, therefore, table tops are also completely frost-proof and weather resistant.
Cleaning Ceramic
Although dirt cannot penetrate into the ceramic material, it is necessary to remove it from the surface in order to prevent the build-up of
surface grease and contaminants. Day to day maintenance of ceramic table tops can be performed by simply wiping down using a clean,
microfibre cloth and warm, diluted, neutral detergent to remove surface spillages. Spillages of wine, coffee, ketchup, oils and acidic
substances such as vinegar should be wiped clean immediately. For intense cleaning and more regular maintenance we recommend
using the Gloster Ceramic Care Kit.
Table Top Material Properties
Every piece of teak Gloster uses originates from plantations. About 80% of this is from government owned plantations on the Indonesian island of Java and the balance from FSC certified plantations outside Indonesia. Contrary to popular belief, teak furniture does not require any special maintenance routine or any additional protection apart from occasional cleaning. Left to age naturally outside, teak will gradually change to a soft, silver-grey as the pigments in the surface layer of the wood begin to fade away. We recommend that you allow your teak furniture to weather naturally this way and simply clean thoroughly once or twice a year with Gloster Teak & Upholstery Cleaner.
Teak furniture may also benefit from an occasional light sanding to remove any raised grain and restore a smooth finish to the surface. Under no circumstances should a power washer be used to clean teak furniture.
If you wish to retain the golden-brown color of new teak we also offer Gloster Teak Sealer. Application of Teak Sealer will not affect the strength or longevity of the furniture in any way, just its appearance. If you elect to use Teak Sealer you will be embarking on a regular maintenance programmed as Teak Sealer needs to be regularly re-applied to provide continuous protection.
If you intend to store your furniture over the winter, we recommend that you do so in a water-tight garden shed or garage. However, we advise that you do not move teak furniture from the garden straight into a heated indoor room for storage, as the sharp differences in temperature and humidity may cause the wood to split.
To protect teak surfaces from staining and to help maintain the silver-grey patina on weathered teak, we recommend using Gloster Teak & Upholstery Stain Protector. Gloster Teak Protector creates an almost invisible shield which helps to prevent food (coffee, ketchup, red wine, olive oil, etc.) penetrating into the teak and causing unsightly stains. Teak Protector also helps protects the wood against the ingress of moisture, the adhesion of dirt and prevents mildew growth.
Cleaning
Gloster Teak & Upholstery Cleaner - 25oz / 750ml plastic bottle with trigger-action head. Water-based formula - both non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Cleans and brightens weathered teak in one, simple step. Each bottle is supplied complete with a special applicator pad. Teak is a beautiful golden brown, close- grained hardwood with a high natural oil content. Exceptionally hard wearing, highly resistant to rotting and almost impervious to the effects of sun, rain, frost or snow, teak is the first-choice timber for outdoor furniture. It is recommended that you clean teak furniture thoroughly once or twice a year.
Protecting
Gloster Teak & Upholstery Stain Protector - 33oz / 1 liter plastic bottle. Water-based formula - both non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Special formula repels water and moisture. Helps prevent stains from food and drinks. Use on weathered teak to retain the silver-grey patina. Each bottle is supplied complete with a special applicator cloth. It is recommended that you treat your teak furniture with Teak Protector at least once every year. Tabletops should be treated more often.
Sealing
Gloster Teak Sealer - 25oz / 750ml plastic bottle with trigger-action head. Water-based formula - both non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Cleans and brightens weathered teak in one, simple step. Each bottle is supplied complete with a special applicator pad. It is recommended that you treat your furniture with Teak Sealer at least once a year.
