Wood furniture and kitchen utensils often receive oil finishes, which are generally known for being environmentally friendly, safe for food contact, and non-hazardous. Additionally, oil finishes have the advantage of being easily repairable and creating a textured grain pattern that surpasses that of various alternatives. Oils have been utilized as wood finishes for countless years, consequently establishing them as a more conventional choice.
The most commonly used oil finishes are generally not as protective or durable as lacquer or varnish options.
1. Linseed Oil
Linseed oil, alternatively called flaxseed oil, is highly regarded as a preferred wood finish globally. Similar to other hand-rubbed oil finishes, linseed oil effectively penetrates the wood grain to safeguard against scratches and fluctuations in humidity. Its maintenance is simple, it is environmentally friendly, and it provides a satin finish that effectively enhances the wood’s color and grain.
Raw, polymerized, and boiled linseed oil originate from the flaxseed plant, although their processing methods and levels differ. Raw linseed oil is the most unadulterated form, but it can be inconvenient for furniture finishing due to its extended drying periods – each layer of raw linseed oil can take several weeks to fully dry.
Boiled linseed oil is widely used as a wood finish, however, it contains certain drying compounds that can be hazardous. On the other hand, polymerized linseed oil offers the ideal combination of being pure and non-toxic, while also providing fast drying times.
2. Tung Oil
Derived from the seeds of the tung tree in Eastern Asia, Tung oil is a clear and quick-drying plant-based oil that is used as a wood finish. It has the ability to penetrate the wood grain, enhancing and protecting it. Tung oil has gained popularity worldwide as one of the oldest and most commonly used wood finishes. It has become a trusted choice among fine furniture craftsmen in the United States and other countries due to its eco-friendly nature, non-toxicity, and food-safe properties.
For at least 2,500 years, China has cultivated and used tung oil as a wood finish by pressing the seeds of the tung tree, native to Eastern Asia.
Much like linseed oil, it can be challenging to locate furniture made with raw or 100% pure tung oil. Often, craftsmen opt for boiled or polymerized tung oil, and it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to misrepresent products as tung oil. If you desire a tung oil finish, it is advisable to conduct some research to ascertain the specific finish being used and its composition.
Tung oil is a popular choice among craftsmen for finishing wood furniture due to its numerous benefits. It is an all-natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly option that does not undergo excessive yellowing over time, unlike other common finishes such as linseed oil, nitrocellulose lacquer, or polyurethane varnishes.
3. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a commonly used term for a colorless, scentless oil that is primarily derived from petroleum. However, it is generally considered non-toxic and suitable for use in food.
It is a frequent occurrence on cutting boards, wood kitchen utensils, wood bowls, and other wood products that are regularly in contact with food. Moreover, it is a commonly used component in baby oil, given that it has undergone dermatological testing and approval.
While mineral oil is non-toxic and safe for food contact, its infrequent use as a wood furniture finish is due to the availability of other oils with more preferable characteristics.
4. Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is obtained from the nuts of the juglans regia tree, which is related to juglans nigra that produces the black walnut wood utilized in our furniture. Due to its food-safe properties, walnut oil, similar to mineral oil, is frequently employed on cutting boards and kitchen utensils.
Walnut oil, similar to linseed oil and tung oil, has a relatively lengthy drying duration. Therefore, it is not rare for walnut oil to be diluted with boiling mineral spirits or polymerized by heating to accelerate the curing process of the oil.
5. Danish Wood Oil
You can purchase this Danish wood oil in either a quart or pint and it comes in more than 10 different wood colors to make sure you choose the right one for your furniture. It becomes dry to the touch as soon as 6 hours after application, allowing you to continue with your daily activities without waiting for it to dry.
With a simple application process, Danish wood oil can provide a warm and rich radiance to your furniture while also offering protection against spills and chipping.
6. Australian Timber Oil
If you are seeking natural oil finishes instead of enhancing the wood’s color, this is the most favorable choice. Due to being a natural oil, it will require a longer drying period compared to the other alternatives. Allow approximately 24-48 hours for this oil to dry entirely.
The quart size will provide adequate coverage for approximately 400-600 square feet of wood. Without any toxic materials or fumes, it effectively penetrates your wood to eliminate spores. Additionally, it enhances the texture and provides optimal protection for all types of wood.
7. Oil Cleaner and Soap
The reason this option is unique is because it functions as both an oil and a furniture cleaner. By using this product, you can easily polish and cleanse your furniture simultaneously. The majority of its composition consists of natural elements, with a mere 2% inclusion of artificial additives.
With minimal effort, your furniture can be made to look new. The oil combined with the soap adds a natural fragrance to the oil. For best results, use on finished and sealed wood as the soap may cause damage to unfinished or unsealed wood items. Additionally, it can be applied to non-wood surfaces for cleaning purposes.
8. Low Gloss Tung Oil
This is another type of Tung oil, however, it is regarded as being of higher quality. It has the ability to deeply penetrate the pores of wood and provides an exceptional surface finish. It is a technique that results in a low gloss appearance and enhances its water, acid, and alkali resistance.
You have the option to apply it using either a brush or a regular cloth. It is most effective when used on marine woods and furniture, although it can be used on any type of furniture. The container is sufficient for approximately 600 square feet and will require around 16 hours to completely dry.
9. Danish Oil Finish
This Danish Oil is combined with linseed oil and provides a quick and simple application with high-quality particles. It is considered one of the top oils for rubbing interior woods and furniture.
This oil is ideal for everyday use and new furniture, providing a toxic-free application. It can also be applied to kitchen woods that will be in contact with food. With the container, you can polish up to 1000 square feet.
Benefits of Oil for Wooden Furniture
We can analyze some of the most common benefits of oiling your wooden furniture, considering that there are numerous advantages to doing so.
Enhances the natural look of wood
By penetrating the upper layers of the wood, applying oil enhances the natural appearance of furniture, helping it retain its natural sheen and texture.
Protects the furniture
Applying oil to your wooden furniture aids in sealing it, providing protection against stains and liquids by preventing them from penetrating into the wood.
Hides imperfections
By utilizing oil on wood furniture, you can effectively conceal the flaws present in your furniture. As time passes, natural deterioration may result in harm to your wooden furniture. Oil, however, can aid in concealing these damages.
Oil is effective in naturally concealing imperfections found on wooden surfaces. Due to the manufacturing process and the type of wood used, it is expected that wood furniture will possess some inherent imperfections. Additionally, oil assists in camouflaging these flaws.
Removes dirt
Over time, dirt and wax accumulate on furniture, particularly with regular usage. Oils can effectively eliminate dirt and grime. When it comes to certain wooden furniture, using household cleaners and products may not be safe, hence oil is the most suitable option for removing dirt and debris.
Less polishing
If you regularly apply oil to your furniture, you will find that you won’t need to polish it as frequently because the oil will cover any scrapes or indentations, eliminating the need to polish the wood for a refreshed appearance.
