Material
Garpa only uses high-quality teak from sustainable plantations. Teak is one of the most valuable commercial timbers in the world. Teak wood can easily withstand moisture, sunlight, frost, snow and temperature fluctuations. thanks to a core containing rubber. This makes it particularly suitable for long-term use outdoors without any additional surface protection. Our teak furniture is delivered in its natural state, according to the old English tradition, as the majority of customers wish to set up the furniture outdoors without having to do any painting. Over time, the wood acquires a silver-grey patina due to the effects of the weather. Teak is a natural product and therefore always has a different grain. The wood must be pre-dried in order to process it, sometimes giving teak an occasional reddish-brown hue. The UV rays in sunlight, however, make these discolourations disappear again in a few weeks. In year-round outdoor use, teak colourants may be washed out by rainwater and leave stains on other materials. Fine hairline cracks may appear on the surface; This is also a natural phenomenon which does not in any way affect the stability or durability of the furniture.
Care
Wipe your teak furniture once before use to remove any remaining teak dust. Teak dust can leave stains on light-coloured surfaces which are no longer visible after washing. Clean teak furniture twice a year with the brush supplied in the care set, warm water and green soap. This provides your teak furniture with the best and most gentle care. It also prevents dirt and other atmospheric influences from becoming deeply embedded in the wood’s grain. Regular cleaning also prevents the occasional occurrence of stains. You may also use a high-pressure cleaner to clean all furniture made exclusively from teak, except for the cushion chests bar furniture. Set the machine to a pressure of about 60 to 80 bar, and keep the nozzle at least 30 to 35 cm away from the wood. Only a triple nozzle guarantees the required gentle pressure jet. Never use a dirt blaster jet, as this would make the surface rough. Thorough cleaning of the furniture causes a slight lightening of the wood tone. Repeated cleaning using this method may require the teak to be sanded with 120 grit sandpaper.
Teak Brightener
Garpa Teak Brightener gives heavily weathered or dirty teak furniture back its original beautiful look. This special cleaner almost recreates the natural wood colour. Garpa Teak Brightener also reduces any differences in colour between new slats and older wood that has already turned grey. Tough stains and deposits that cannot be removed with green soap alone can also be treated with this product. First, dampen the wood with water. Apply Teak Brightener generously to the surface to be treated using a spray bottle and allow to work for about 30 minutes Then brush it vigorously, following the grain. Finally, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Here, too, you can use the high-pressure cleaner with the settings already recommended. The complete Teak Brightener cleaning set can be ordered from us.
Protection against Wasps
Grey wood fibres in combination with the caoutchouc contained in teak wood are often used by wasps as material for building nests. Regularly cleaning the furniture removes loose wood fibres and reduces the amount of caoutchouc on the surface. Wood surfaces maintained in this way are noticeably less infested by wasps.
Oils and Glazes
Applying oils and glazes takes more effort by nature than merely cleaning the untreated wood. However, such treatment has no effect on the durability of the furniture.
Teak Oil
Teak oil prevents the wood from developing a patina. Garpa recommends using teak oil only in roofed areas and those that are protected against rain. Treating the teak cushion chests with teak oil, glazes or similar products leads to damage to the joint. As a result, they should not be treated using teak oil. Please refer to the instructions on the product label for further information on applying oil to teak wood.
Floor Gliders
If your teak furniture is placed on a very rough surface, such as exposed aggregate concrete, you can order floor gliders to prevent chipping. Floor gliders for teak furniture are available from us on request.
Material
The stainless steel used by Garpa is weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use year-round. All furniture is either equipped with high-quality synthetic gliders to protect delicate floors or with height adjusters to compensate for uneven surfaces. Please tighten the hex screws on the height-adjusters a few weeks after assembly.
Care
Like other materials, stainless steel should be cleaned regularly, around three to four times each year. The steel should not be exposed to salt from sea water in particular, metallic particles in the air or chlorine from swimming pools for long periods. The more aggressive the environmental conditions (such as industrial conurbations, busy roads, railways, among others), the more frequently metallic furniture must be rinsed off and cleaned regularly to neutralise any deposits. You can prevent staining or deposits by regular cleaning the surfaces using a soft brush and a warm solution with green soap and water. You may also use a commercial stainless-steel cleaner. Please make sure that all cleaning agents used are thoroughly rinsed off with water.
Material
The frames in the Fontenay series and Boulogne bench are made from galvanised and powder-coated steel parts. The frames of all pieces are equipped with abrasion resistant floor gliders to protect delicate flooring. However, should these eventually wear out, we will gladly send you replacements. Fontenay tables have height adjusters to compensate for uneven surfaces (exception: Fontenay tables with a diameter of 75 cm or 90 cm, and side tables).
Care
The frames should be cleaned using a sponge, green soap and warm water. Finish by rinsing off any remaining dirt or soap using plenty of water, then wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge. Damage to powder-coated chair and table frames must be repaired immediately with a paint scratch remover pen to prevent the surface from further cracking. This will also provide years of protection against rust. We will gladly send you a paint scratch remover pen free of charge (Ref. 8610). The folding mechanism in Fontenay furniture is extremely robust and may be a little stiff when new. You may find it easier to fold chairs, especially the Fontenay model, by standing behind the backrest and pulling up the seat towards you using both hands. An occasional drop of synthetic oil on the metal joints aids and maintains a smooth mechanism. We will gladly send it to you free of charge.
Material
The ceramic stone table tops of our range are completely frost-resistant, UV-resistant and impervious to stains and scratches, making them ideal for heavy-duty use. If stains should occur, it is advisable to treat the stain immediately. Ceramic stone will not change over the years. The slight veining gives the material a completely natural look.
Care
To clean, use a soft sponge, green soap and warm water. Finish by rinsing off any remaining dirt or soap using clear water, then wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge.
Material
When selecting our leather, we deliberately opted for semi-aniline leather in order to create a product that has a natural feel yet is easy to maintain. The surface of the leather has been treated only gently with colour pigments, and the look and feel of the natural structure of the skin remains intact. Leather is a natural product with unique, unmistakeable features such as scars and creases that develop during the course of the animal’s life. These elements have no bearing on the quality of the leather, rather they are indicative of the authenticity and unique quality of this natural product.
Care
Please take note of the following guidelines to ensure your furniture brings you enjoyment for many years to come: Clean the furniture regularly and carefully with a vacuum cleaner (soft brush setting) and by wiping with a soft cloth. Avoid placing the furniture too near to a radiator or other source of heat as the leather may dry out. Do not place the furniture directly near a window with excessive sunlight exposure. Do not use any harsh cleaning products such as alcohol or solvents.
