Wood oil for furniture
Wood oil for furniture
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE - WOOD OIL FOR FURNITURE
Which wood oils are suitable for furniture?
Suitable wood oils for furniture include curing plant-based oils such as linseed oil, as well as oil blends. They penetrate deep into the wood, creating a durable protective layer that helps protect the wood against external influences such as moisture, dirt and grease. Unlike varnishes or sealers, they preserve the natural structure and appearance of the wood.
Here are some recommended options:
Linseed oil
A natural, plant-based oil that penetrates deep into the wood and forms a strong, water-repellent protective layer. It enhances the natural grain and gives the surface a warm, matt appearance. Ideal for furniture that is maintained regularly.
Tung oil
Particularly resistant to water and wear, tung oil is well suited to furniture subject to heavy use. It produces a hard-wearing, matt surface. Please note: in its pure liquid form, tung oil has a distinctive odour, which disappears once dry or when mixed with orange oil or balsam turpentine oil.
Danish Oil
A blend of plant-based oils and resins that provides furniture with excellent protection against moisture and dirt. It penetrates quickly and leaves an even, satin-matt finish.
Hard wax oil
A combination of natural oils and waxes with enhanced protective properties compared with pure oil. It is well suited to furniture subject to heavy use. Available in various gloss levels, from satin-matt to glossy.
Walnut oil
Another plant-based oil that is well suited to furniture. It penetrates quickly and leaves a matt surface that beautifully enhances the wood grain. For optimal protection, we recommend applying our walnut oil as a first coat and, after drying, one or more coats of our DICTUM walnut wax.
Le Tonkinois oil varnish
The linseed oil used is heated in a special process and blended with tung oil. This creates a particularly robust, resistant surface that protects your furniture for years. The gloss level can be adjusted.
Set for mixing your own finish
Self-mixed wood protection products, such as oil-wax blends, offer the advantage that you can adapt the ingredients precisely to your needs and to the specific requirements of your furniture. Especially for furniture that requires special care, mixing oil and wax can provide a tailored solution that ensures both protection and an attractive appearance.
We offer sets for various applications and provide helpful tips and advice in our Finishing Primer.
Benefits of wood oils
Protection against moisture and dirt
Wood oil protects wooden surfaces against moisture and dirt. It forms a water-repellent layer that helps prevent liquids from penetrating the wood and causing damage such as warping, discolouration or mould growth. This protection is particularly important in kitchens and dining areas, where furniture is regularly exposed to liquids and food residues.
Natural look and feel
One of the greatest advantages of wood oil is that it enhances the natural grain of the wood without covering the surface. Unlike varnishes, which often form a glossy, artificial-looking layer, wood oil allows the surface to retain its authentic, lively character. It gives the wood a matt or satin finish that is both elegant and easy to maintain.
Easy application and maintenance
Wood oil is easy to apply and requires no specialist knowledge. The surface is coated evenly with a brush or cloth, and any excess oil is simply wiped off. Unlike varnishes, which often have to be applied in several coats and require longer drying times, wood oil penetrates quickly and needs only a short time to dry. If required, an additional coat can be applied to increase the level of protection. Maintenance is just as straightforward: simply re-oil the furniture when needed to maintain the protection.
Durability and resistance
Wood oil not only protects your furniture against moisture and dirt, but also makes it more resistant to scratches and wear. Furniture treated regularly with wood oil retains its beauty and functionality over a long period of time. This is a significant advantage, especially for heavily used pieces of furniture such as tables or chairs.
Eco-friendly and safe
Many wood oils are made from natural, plant-based ingredients that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. These oils are particularly safe for furniture that comes into direct contact with food or skin, such as dining tables and chairs. They contain no harmful chemicals that could pose a risk to health, making them a preferred choice for environmentally conscious users.
Applying wood oils to furniture
Applying wood oils is simple and straightforward.
- Surface preparation: Clean the furniture surface thoroughly and remove dust and dirt. If required, lightly sand the wood (180 grit) to ensure better absorption of the oil.
- Applying the oil: Apply the wood oil evenly to the surface using a soft cloth or brush. Work in small areas to ensure that the oil penetrates well and leaves no streaks.
- Allowing the oil to penetrate and wiping off excess oil: Allow the oil to penetrate for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth to avoid a sticky surface.
- Drying and further treatment: Allow the wood oil to dry completely, usually for 12 to 24 hours, before applying a second coat if desired or required.
Conclusion
Wood oil offers a natural, long-lasting solution for caring for and protecting wooden surfaces. It enhances the natural beauty of the wood, protects it against moisture and dirt, and is easy to apply and maintain. With wood oil, your furniture remains beautiful, resilient and easy to care for over many years. Ideal for environmentally conscious users looking for a safe and sustainable solution for their wooden furniture.
Our customer service team will be happy to provide expert advice.
