We have all heard about oil finishes for wood. But why are they great, and how do you apply them?
Here is a short guide on oil finishes. Covering why they are a great choice of finish, how to apply, maintain and repair - enjoy!
The difference between an oil and lacquer finish
There is a fundamental difference between an oil finish and a lacquer finish. Oil finishes penetrate the structure of the wood and harden below and within the surface. Whereas lacquer type finishes harden on the surface of your wooden object.
The advantages of an oil finish
Oil finishes are non-toxic.
Oil finishes, particularly Walrus Oil products, are made from natural, non-toxic products such as tung oil. Tung oil is a perfect finish for wooden products. It penetrates the surface of the wood and dries hard within the timbers cell structure creating a durable and water-resistant sealing finish.
Oil finishes are easy to apply.
All you really need are rags and some protective gloves. If you really want to enhance your finish, consider using 0000 steel wool as well, more on that below.
Enhanced finish.
When you buff an oiled wooden surface, you are buffing the surface of the wood itself. This means the natural colour and features of the wood will be enhanced.
Oil finishes are easy to repair. Wear and tear are a part of life. If you damage an oiled wooden object, all you really need to do is sand and re-oil that small part of the object. At first you may see the “repaired” area, yet in time it will fade and become indistinguishable from the rest of the finish. You can also use wax to blend, conceal and repair wear and tear when it occurs.
Easy to maintain.
Maintaining an oiled wooden object is relatively easy. Periodically you can give the piece a light sand and re-oil. Maybe every other year depending on the amount of use. Maintain the finish also by applying a coat of wax. Watch your wooden table glow as it ages.
How to apply an oil finish
The best thing about oil finishes is that they are very easy to apply.
Step 1: Sanding. Make sure your wooden object is sanded. To achieve a flat, smooth finish, sand your piece to a minimum of 180 grit, preferably 240 grit. Make sure the piece is free of dust before you apply any finish.
Step 2: Oiling. Shake the bottle of oil well before applying. Using a rag apply a coat of the oil and allow to rest for up to ten minutes. Wipe off any excess before the oil becomes too tacky. If the room temperature is very warm, consider reducing the resting time. You do not want any dried oil dribbles on your piece. Allow the piece to cure for up to 24 hours.
Step 3: Re-oiling. Once cured you can apply a second coat of oil. First run you hand over the piece, does it feel slightly rough? Any roughness is a result of the grain being raised. Oil has been absorbed by the fibres of wood and expanded creating a rough feel to the surface. This is easy to deal with. Using the same grit sandpaper that you finished the piece with, or a grade higher, give the surface a light sand until smooth. Remove any dust and reoil again as above in Step 2.
You can oil the surface of your piece as many times as you like, or until you reach the gloss level you desire. To speed up this process you can use Super Fine 0000 steel wool to apply the oil. By using steel wool to apply the oil, you are burnishing the surface of the wood as you go. This process will help you create a super smooth and flat finish to die for. Read more about using 0000 steel wool below.
Step 4. Waxing: Once you have applied the final coat of oil, leave it to cure for at least 24 hours. Then you can apply a coat of protective wax. Wax can be applied using a clean rag or 0000 steel wool. The key to applying wax is to apply SPARINGLY. Don’t be tempted to whack on a thick heavy coat, that will make the piece look greasy and will kill the natural tone.
Add a small amount of wax to your rag or steel wool. Apply to the surface in a tight circular pattern. Work all over the surface, add more wax sparingly as you proceed. Once you have waxed the whole surface, allow to dry for an hour or so and then buff using a clean fresh rag or buffing pad. Rewax your piece periodically to maintain or repair.
Using Super Fine 0000 Steel Wool
Super Fine 0000 Steel Wool is a very versatile product, and a great way to finish wooden objects.
Applying oil.
You can apply oil to your piece with steel wool. Tear off some steel wool and shape into a tight golf ball sized pad. Dip in the oil, and then using a tight circular motion, apply the oil to the surface. Work thoroughly over the whole surface. This technique is great because you are burnishing the surface as you go.
Applying wax.
Using the exact technique above, you can apply wax as well. Remember though – use the wax sparingly.
Repair work.
In addition to applying oils and wax, steel wool can be used to make repairs. If you have any scratches or scrapes on your wooden piece, you can use the steel wool to burnish these away. Make a golf ball sized pad, take some wax and work over the damage using a tight circular motion. The steel wool will work to cut away and reduce the visibility of the scratch.
Once you are satisfied with the improved appearance of the damage, continue to wax out around the damage more broadly. By doing this you are “feathering” away the rework, so it is less obvious. Allow to cure and then buff. If the rework is super obvious in relation to the rest of the surface, consider rewaxing the whole surface to conceal the reworked portion. In time the reworked portion will fade and blend into the overall appearance of the piece.
Disposing of used rags
It is possible for rags soaked with finishing oils to self-ignite. Here are two ways to eliminate any chance of this occurring.
Soak in water. Once you have finished oiling soak the rags in water. Then hang them out to dry before disposing of them.
Stretch out to dry. Stretch them out on the floor of your workshop or on the clothesline to dry before disposal. Do not bundle oily rags together.
Product Care
For best results use by finishing products by the expiration dates recommended by the manufacturer. Store at room temperature or in a cool and dry place. Keep packages tightly sealed when not in use.