Whilst the occasional piece gets left unfinished, most wooden furniture has a coating of some description applied at some point in its operational lifespan. There are many different types of wood finishes available, some change the wood’s appearance, others offer a degree of protection and some do both.
The type of finish we are interested in here is oils. Other types of finish tend to coat the surface of the wood but oils penetrate into the deeper fibres. Since contact with the wood itself is maintained it’s warm and inviting to the touch, it’s also easy to touch up and the wood’s natural grain is beautifully showcased.
Oil finishes are a fantastic option for items where you want that organic touch, like dining tables, chopping boards, and upscale cabinetry.
Why go for an oil finish?
Oil finishes bring a special blend of beauty and practicality that really make them stand out from other surface coatings:
- Brings out natural beauty: oil seeps into the wood fibers, enriching the color and making the grain pattern really stand out; this effect, often referred to as “chatoyancy” or the “wet look”, enhances the wood’s character without hiding it
- Warm and inviting: unlike the cold, slick feel of a polyurethane finish, oil finishes leave a soft, velvety surface that just invites you to touch it
- Easy to repair: since the finish penetrates the wood, you can often buff out scratches, scuffs or watermarks with fine sandpaper and just apply a bit more oil where needed with no need to strip the whole piece like you would with a polyurethane finish
- Low gloss: using an oil imparts a lovely matte or satin finish that many people prefer over a shiny, plastic-like gloss
- Application is easy: oils are a simple choice for beginners as their application is usually as straightforward as wiping it on with a cloth
Three types of oil finish
To choose the correct oil for your project, it’s important to be aware of the different types on the market.
Pure drying oils (tung and linseed)
These oils are sourced straight from nature, coming from the nut of the tung tree or flax seeds.
Pros
Having a low viscosity, pure drying oils give deep penetration and so leave a wonderfully natural feel to the timber. Over time, they cure and harden, providing moderate water resistance. Tung oil is especially prized for being food-safe once it’s fully cured.
Cons
The drying process is quite slow, often taking days or even weeks between coats and it can take up to a month to fully cure. You’ll need several coats to achieve a durable finish. Plus, Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) usually has metallic dryers added to speed up curing, which complicates its “pure” label.
Oil/varnish blends (Danish oil, teak oil)
These are a bit of a compromise being a mix of a pure oil such as linseed with a hard drying polymer like polyurethane or alkyd resin in a solvent medium.
Pros
In the right circumstances, they can combine the best of both worlds, the easy application and deep penetration of an oil, along with the quicker drying time and enhanced durability/water resistance of varnish.
Cons
They still can’t quite match the durability of traditional varnishes and it’s crucial to ensure good ventilation during application due to the solvent content.
Wiping varnishes and penetrating epoxies
These are a bit of a cheat as they are basically thin, highly diluted varnishes designed to mimic the penetration of oil.
Pros
They provide outstanding durability and water resistance, and they’re relatively easy to apply by simply wiping on with a cloth like pure oils but they dry a lot quicker.
Cons
At the end of the day, they are not the real thing and it shows. They’re great if aesthetics aren’t essential but if you want the deep color enhancement and natural feel go for the pure oil.
Application and maintenance
The process of applying an oil finish sounds easy but there are a few things to watch out for to ensure you end up with a professional looking end product.
Preparation is key: sand the wood down thoroughly as any imperfections will be more noticeable once the oil is applied.
Application: generously apply the oil with a clean cloth or brush and then allow it to soak into the wood for about 10-30 minutes.
Cure time: be sure to give the first coat enough time to dry and cure, just check the product label for details. A light sanding between coats, especially for the first few, can help smooth out any raised grain.
Rejuvenation: to keep your finish looking its best, simply clean the surface and apply a thin coat of oil every few months for frequently used items like tables, or once a year for pieces that are just for display.
Disposal of rags: be careful with drying oil finishes as they can generate heat while curing and may even catch fire if not handled properly. Always dry oil-soaked rags flat outside on an inert surface, hang them up or soak them in water before disposal.
By choosing the right oil and following a straightforward maintenance routine, you can protect your wooden furniture and let its natural beauty shine through.
