In this article, we’ll cover the types of oils used for finishing wood. We’ll discuss each type, its specific properties, and the best types of wood to use them on.
WHAT IS WOOD OIL?
Wood oil, in woodworking and finishing, refers to natural or synthetic oils used to treat and protect wood surfaces. These oils penetrate the wood fibres, providing nourishment, enhancing the appearance of the wood, and creating a protective barrier against moisture, dirt, and wear.
Wood oils are derived from various sources, including seeds, nuts, and trees. They are typically applied to unfinished or sanded wood to bring out the natural beauty of the grain and to protect the wood from environmental factors. Wood oils are incredibly easy to apply, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
TYPES OF WOOD OIL
Common wood oils include tung, linseed, Danish, teak, walnut, and mineral oil. Some oils are mixed with solvents or resins to enhance their performance and drying properties.
Here is a summary table of the different oils and their properties. We will discuss each in detail below.
Danish Oil
Danish oil is a blend of various oils, resins, solvents, and varnish or polyurethane. It is suitable for all types of wood, but the level of protection from water it provides is medium. Therefore, it is best used only for indoor projects. The oil brings out the grain of the wood and leaves a soft sheen finish. Usually, Danish oil is not considered food-safe. Note that the properties of Danish oil will vary significantly between different brands as it will depend on the exact mix of ingredients. Always make sure to check the label so that you know what to expect from your oil.
Boiled and Raw Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is a natural oil that can be used on all types of wood. It comes in two types: raw and boiled. Raw linseed oil is pure linseed oil. It offers minimal protection against water and dries with a matte finish. It is considered food-safe, so it can be used on chopping boards and kitchen counters. Boiled linseed oil is linseed oil with additives that has been heated. This process significantly speeds up the drying time of the oil and changes the finish. Boiled linseed oil has a medium level of protection against water and dries with a soft sheen finish. It isn’t usually considered food-safe due to the additives, but this may vary between manufacturers. As both types of oil don’t provide the best protection from water, they should be used for indoor projects only.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a non-drying oil that’s mainly used for cutting boards and wooden kitchen items. It comes from petroleum and provides a temporary protection from moisture. Mineral needs to be reapplied fairly regularly to maintain the item it’s been used on. It is suitable for hardwoods and softwoods, but due to its limited protection, it is best suited to indoor items. It doesn’t fully dry, but it leaves a lovely matte finish once applied and buffed off.
Teak Oil
Teak oil is specifically formulated for hardwoods. It has excellent water and UV damage protection and is hence suitable for use on outdoor woods such as furniture and window/ door frames. It leaves a matte finish. Due to the additives in the oil, it isn’t considered food safe. As always, double-check the label, as properties may vary by manufacturer.
Tung Oil
Tung oil is a natural oil derived from the tung tree. It provides a high level of protection from water and weathering and hence can be used for indoor and outdoor projects. It’s suitable for all types of wood. It leaves a soft sheen finish and is generally considered food-safe. Note that tung oil can come in a ‘polymerised’ form, meaning it has additives to improve its properties. In this instance, it may not be food-safe, but that will vary depending on the additives.
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is derived from walnut trees and is a natural, food-safe oil. It is a nut oil, but unlike other fats in the category, it does not go rancid and, hence, is safe to use for finishing wood. It can be used on both hardwoods and softwoods, but it only provides minimal protection from water and weather, so it is best used indoors only. It provides a matte finish to the wood.
CONCLUSION
When choosing a wood oil for finishing, consider the type of wood you’re working with, the desired appearance (e.g., glossy or matte), and the level of protection needed (e.g., against moisture or wear). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times to achieve the best results. Each type of oil will have its own application method and drying times which will also vary by manufacturer so it’s important to read and follow the instructions provided.
