Wood Oils

Wood oil is a traditional, natural finish designed to penetrate deep into the fibres of the wood rather than forming a film on top of it. Unlike paints or varnishes that create a surface layer, wood oil works from within to protect and nourish the timber.

Its primary function is to saturate the wood cells, which provides several key benefits:

• Nourishes and Protects: It replenishes the wood's natural oils, preventing it from drying out, cracking, or splitting over time.
• Enhances Natural Beauty: It provides a rich, warm, and natural-looking finish that enhances the depth and colour of the wood grain without creating an artificial, plastic-like sheen.
• Easy to Apply & Maintain: It is exceptionally user-friendly. Application is simple, and repairs are easy because there is no surface film to scratch or peel.
• Water Resistance: By occupying the wood pores, the oil provides good resistance to water and other liquids.

hoosing between an oil and a varnish depends entirely on the look and type of protection you want. They are fundamentally different types of finishes.

• Wood Oil: This is a penetrating finish. It soaks into the wood and becomes part of it. It leaves a natural, tactile, low-sheen finish where you can still feel the texture of the wood grain. It's incredibly easy to repair scratches – you simply sand the affected area lightly and reapply a small amount of oil. However, it requires more regular maintenance to top up the protection.
• Varnish / Lacquer: This is a film-forming finish. It sits on top of the wood and cures into a hard, protective shell, which can range from matte to high gloss. It generally offers higher initial resistance to scratches and scuffs. However, if this shell gets deeply scratched or damaged, it can be very difficult to repair, often requiring the entire surface to be sanded back and refinished.

In short: Choose oil for a natural look and feel with easy spot-repairs. Choose varnish for a harder, sealed surface that requires less frequent maintenance but is harder to fix if damaged.

Applying wood oil is a simple and satisfying process, but the correct technique is crucial for achieving a beautiful, non-sticky finish.

1. Preparation: The wood surface must be bare, clean, and smooth. Sand the wood progressively up to a fine grit and ensure all dust is removed.
2. Application: Use a clean, lint-free cloth (an old t-shirt or a dedicated rag is perfect). Apply a generous amount of oil to the surface, rubbing it into the wood and working in the direction of the grain.
3. Penetration: Allow the oil to soak into the wood for about 15-20 minutes. You will see some areas absorb more oil than others.
4. Remove All Excess Oil: This is the most important step. Using a new, clean, dry cloth, wipe off every trace of excess oil from the surface until it feels almost dry to the touch. Any oil left on the surface will not cure properly and will become a tacky, sticky mess.
5. Cure and Repeat: Let the piece cure for 12-24 hours. For extra protection and a deeper lustre, you can apply more coats by repeating the process. Two to three coats are usually sufficient.