Most woodworking projects require the use of at least some type of oil finish. Using the right one can transform wooden furniture from plain and boring looking to something spectacular. Oil finish for wood is not only used for aesthetic purposes but also has tons of other benefits such as protection and weatherproofing.
If you notice carefully, people who are professionals in woodworking always use oil finish on their wooden products. Whether it’s a table, chair, bed, or shelf, oil finishes are necessary to prevent early degradation of the wood, preserve the wood longer, restore the original color of the wood, fill up the cracks, and even harden the wood to make it durable. The market is full of different oil finishes. Here are some of the best ones to consider buying.
Odie’s Oil
Pros
- It is solvent-free
- Applicable to all types and species of wood
- More coverage
- No toxins
Cons
- Low Luster
This product is simple to use and apply and produces an incredible finish. The good thing about Odie’s Oil is the fact that you can use this oil finish on any kind of wood as well as other materials like leather, plastic, or even different metals. If you are looking for a good oil finish, this is a great option. It is also free of any toxins. Odie’s Oil also covers more area easily compared to other oil finishes.
A great characteristic of this product is that there are no solvents, which means this product is solvent-free. This means that if you are working on a piece of wood, there is no need for stripping or even sanding in-between applications. Other oil finishes require people to sand with every coat, but not with this product. Since there are no solvents, nothing gets evaporated. What you apply will stay on the wood. The best thing about Odie’s Oil is that the more it ages, the better looking the furniture gets.
Product Details:
| Package Dimensions | 6.26 x 4.65 x 4.37 inches; 9 Ounces |
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Furniture Clinic Linseed Oil
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Dries easily and quickly
- Easy application
- Waterproof
Cons
- Cannot be used on exterior oak
If you are on the hunt for a good oil finish, take some time to consider the Furniture Clinic Linseed Oil. This product is especially good for old wood and dry wood. It easily seals any cracks and also prevents cracks from happening. People who love their furniture to have gloss and shine can consider using this boiled linseed wood oil by Furniture Clinic.
Although the product works best with old wood, this can find uses for all types and species of wood. Whether it’s dry or wet, soft or hard, or even domestic or exotic wood, you can use this linseed oil on any wood. The amazing quality of this product is that it dries quickly and hardens the wood. People can also put this product to use on terracotta pots and even other stone items. Moreover, the coating is waterproof as well.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 15.5 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 9 inches |
| Volume | 0.5 Liters |
Howard Products Feed-N-Wax
Pros
- Suitable for all kinds of wood
- Added benefits of conditioning
- A soft and subtle luster
- It prevents drying and fading
Cons
- Not applicable to other materials
Feed-N-Wax oil finish is not just an oil polish but also a conditioner. It is an amazing product that treats all types of wood. The presence of beeswax and even carnauba wax adds not just a layer of protection to the wood but also helps produce a soft, subtle, and noticeable luster. The conditioning aspect of this product helps in maintaining the color and the color of the wood and also prevents furniture from drying up over time.
This particular product is extremely good and highly recommended for any kind of wood restoration work. It greatly enhances the natural tones of the wood. You can also use this on kinds of furniture pieces like cabinets, chairs, tables, beds, wooden doors, antiques, and many more. Using this on your wooden furniture will ensure that no deterioration takes place.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 15.8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 8.5 inches |
| Color | Orange |
Hope’s Tung Oil
Pros
- Easy application
- Dries fairly quickly
- No toxic fumes or ingredients
- Water and moisture-proof
Cons
- Prone to spontaneous combustion
Many craftsmen and woodworkers prefer using this particular oil finish as it is all-natural and extremely easy to use and apply. Putting it on a cloth or a brush and wiping it on the wood is all it takes. Drying is also not a long process with this product. Many oil finishes out there do not penetrate deep into the wood, but this is not the case for Hope’s Tung Oil. The oil seeps deep inside the wood fibers and strengthens the wood.
One of the main reasons to grab this product is its resistance to any kind of moisture, liquids like alcohol and oil, and it is even resistant to everyday wear and tear. It provides long-lasting protection. Hope’s Tung Oil is also perfect for cast irons, concrete floors, bricks, countertops, different kinds of woods, and even stones. This product is also non-toxic making it good for surfaces where people store food.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 3.4 x 8 inches |
| Volume | 473 Milliliters |
Mahoney’s Fine Finishes
Pros
- Penetrates well inside the wood
- Non-toxic
- Protection against all kinds of deterioration
- Easy to dispense and apply
Cons
- Suitable only for wood
Are you in search of a good oil finish for your wooden furniture? If so, Mahoney’s Fine Finishes is an excellent option worth considering. Not only does this product provide an excellent protective layer, but it also produces a great stain shine and finish on all types of wood. If you have wooden utensils, this product will work great on them as well since it is non-toxic and safe.
It only takes a few hours to dry. So, applying multiple coats can be done in one day. However, you won’t need to apply too many coats since the product covers and saturates well. The nozzle in the bottle makes it easier to dispense the product and apply it. Mahoney’s Fine Finishes protects wooden surfaces and products from scratches, fading, discoloration, and even deterioration. The product also penetrates extremely well inside the wood.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1 pound |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.45 x 2.45 x 8.25 inches |
| Size | 16 oz |
General Finish Oil
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Mildew resistant
- Penetrates well inside the wood
Cons
- Not suitable for oily and exotic woods
When it comes to protecting your outdoor wooden furniture and wooden products, there is nothing better than the outdoor oil finish by General Finish. The good thing about this product is that it comes in different sizes and capacities. Depending on how many outdoor wooden products and furniture you have, you can choose an adequate size. This is a solid option for exterior coating for outdoor furniture.
One of the best things about General Finish Oil is that it penetrates all the way inside the wood. The product helps prevent mildew from forming and also contains UV stabilizers. It also has twice the amount of oil compared to other oil finishes in the same price category.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 15.8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 7.85 x 2.4 x 2.45 inches |
| Color | Clear |
Considerations When Choosing the Best Wood Oil Finish
When buying oil finishes for wood, buyers need to be careful and cautious. There are certain oil finishes that perform and apply extremely well on certain woods and poorly on others. This is why buyers need to keep some important things in mind. Not just the application, but if you are in search of wood oil, there are so many other factors to consider besides application.
Here are some crucial questions to keep in mind when looking for the best wood oil finish.
Are All Wood Oil Food Safe?
When it comes to the question of food safety and wood oil, this can be a bit tricky. The first thing to remember is, that all commercial wood oils are food safe in the sense that if they dry and fully cure, then you can place food items or even eat off the surface.
You can tell if the oil finish has cured or not by smelling it and touching it. Make sure it is dry, and you do not get the smell of the finish. However, there are certain natural oils like Tung oil that are extracted from different nuts, which are food safe and contain no toxins. But, like every other oil finish, the surface where you applied the finish needs to dry completely.
Does Oil Finish Darken Wood?
Depends on the oil finish used. There are certain oil finishes out there that can darken and maintain the color of different species of woods. Oil finishes like linseed oil and even hard wax are some of the best choices when it comes to darkening your wood. Danish oil is also a good option to work with oak wood if you want to enrich the tones and bring out its true dark colors.
If darkening your wooden furniture is your goal, then make sure you look for oils that specifically help in darkening and bringing out the rich tones of your wood. There are oil finishes out there that do not really darken the wood, and at best, they offer only a subtle glow. So, if darkening is what you want, make sure to stay away from such oil finishes.
How Much to Apply?
When working with any kind or brand of oil finish, it is important to know how many coats to apply. Some people who tend to get carried away end up applying more than what is necessary, and there are some people who do not know that more than one coat is necessary as well.
Generally, if you are working on wooden furniture or items, three to four coats of oil finish are more than enough. After every coat, remember to let it dry and wipe off the excess oil. Remember to not leave any excess oil or over-apply as this will cause the oil to not seep and penetrate properly.
Does Oil Finish Act as Sealer?
Yes, you can use oil finish as a sealer. There are several oil finishes out there in the market that people can use to seal spots and cracks. If you cannot get your hands on sealers, do not worry. If you have an oil finish in your hands, you have nothing to worry about.
Just apply the oil finish in the desired spot or spots. Certain oils will penetrate better than others. That is also worth noting so that you choose a better oil finish that penetrates more inside the wood. After applying, wipe off any access with a cloth, and once it is dry, apply again till you get a satisfactory result. Two to three applications will suffice when it comes to sealing.
What is the Difference Between Wood Oil and Wood Varnish?
The general difference between varnish and oil is their durability. Varnishing wooden surfaces and furniture is a common choice today since varnish is comparatively cheaper than oils. But even the best varnishes will start to show signs of wear and tear. Over time, varnish can come off and may need reapplication.
However, when it comes to wood oil, it is incredibly durable and sustains for a long time. It offers great durability and protection to any wooden surface or furniture. It also offers resistance to dirt, dust, mildew, and stains. Moreover, if ever an oiled piece of furniture needs rework, the process is much easier when compared to the revival work of varnished surfaces.
How to Apply Wood Oil?
It is not a difficult job to apply wood oil. In fact, it is fairly easy, and almost anyone can do so if they follow proper precautions and steps. Before applying, it is important to sand the surface of the wood. This will create a smooth surface to work with. Once the sanding is done, sealing is only necessary if there are cracks or holes in the wood. If there are none, sealing is not necessary.
Now you are all ready to apply the wood oil. Use a cloth pad and start applying the oil in circular motions. Make sure you are applying evenly and liberally. Stop applying once you notice the wood has stopped absorbing it. Wipe off any excess oil, wait for it to dry, and reapply again. Three to four applications are the ideal number of coats. Between every application, make sure the previous coat is completely dry.
How to Remove Wood Oil?
Removing the oil finish is not difficult at all. It involves only one step, and that is sanding. Generally, people want to remove previous wood oil to apply a newer and better one or even to apply paints or varnish.
To remove wood oil from your furniture or wooden flooring, just start to sand the surface properly and thoroughly. Make sure to use a heavy-duty sander as this will accomplish the job easily. Wood oil, unlike stains, does not soak very deep into the wood. So, sanding the top layer of the wood properly will expose the bare wood, which you can now paint, varnish, or even apply a better oil.
Types of Oil Finish for Wood
When it comes to oil finish, there are several kinds. Each kind is unique and offers different uses and benefits. Some of the common oil finishes for wood are:
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil gets extracted from flax seeds, and this particular kind of oil is fully and completely natural and extremely useful. Linseed oil acts as a preservative and protects wooden surfaces and even concrete surfaces. Linseed oil is also non-toxic and is best for surfaces where you plan to put food on.
Tung Oil
Another popular option of oil finish is Tung oil. Such oil finish gets extracted from Tung nuts and is a popular choice for people who wish to harden and provide darker colors to their wooden furniture. Tung oil will harden when it gets exposed to air. This means, that when it dries, the wood hardens. It provides a wet and transparent finish.
Walnut Oil
As the name suggests, this oil is natural as well and gets extracted from walnuts. This means that this oil is also food safe and is safe to use on surfaces where you keep food. The great thing about this oil is it provides a satin finish and also hardens the wood. This oil dries slower in colder weather and faster in a warmer climate.
Danish Oil
There is some wood oil finish that hardens the wood to make it stronger and more durable. Danish oil is one of them. This oil usually gets made using Tung oil or even linseed oil. The finish that this oil provides is extremely good. It provides a water-resistant surface and dries incredibly fast.
Wax Oil
Among the different types of wood oil available, wax oil is one of the superior choices. Made of premium Tung oil and even carnauba wax, this oil gives a superior finish and incredible protection to wooden surfaces. It also helps to preserve and maintain the natural look of the wood and protects it from stains, water, wear and tear, and even dirt.
Other Blends
Apart from these popular choices, there are also many other blends of wood oil finish. Among them, some of the better alternatives are mineral oil, teak oil, and even olive oil. Teak oil is resistant to water, while olive oil is a great way to protect furniture from scratches and dents. Mineral oil provides a natural-looking clear finish.
Conclusion
It is not always that you oil wooden furniture or items. So, whenever you do it, you would want to use not only the best but the one which is the most suitable. There are several oil finishes out there in the market. Choosing the right one is extremely important.
Choosing the right oil depends on the wood you are working with. Different wood requires a different kind of oil. This review and guide article will definitely clarify any doubts you may have if you plan on purchasing a wood oil finish. Also, you will find some of the best oils of different types listed, which will make your search easier.