There is something elegant and classic about the furniture made of wood but such furniture has to be looked after well to serve a long time or look perfect even after a long use. Linseed, tung, or walnut oil is a great pick for wood as it is very beneficial for the wood and its grain as well. In this tutorial, I will demonstrate how quickly and easily one can treat wooden furniture using natural oils.
Why Use Natural Oils?
It forms an impregnable, highly durable coat that seeps into the surface of the wood, unlike the varnish which just forms a coat at the external surface of the wood. It also guards against moisture, and maintains the wood from drying, besides enhancing grain stand, as well as giving a counter-sheen.
Guide to Using Natural Oils: Basic Directions
Step 1: Choose the Right Oil
- Linseed Oil: Mad for oak, mahogany, and kinds of dense woods to offer a heavily build polish.
- Tung Oil: UV resistant and perfect for hardwoods such as teak and walnut.
- Walnut Oil: For interior use on light timber such as pine or cedar, giving a soft, safe food surface.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
- Clean the Surface: To clean the body, one should use a damp cloth to wipe off the dust. If, however, you need to occasionally clean more thoroughly, then use a mild soap solution on the surface but ensure that it has dried before applying oil to it.
- Sand the Surface: Using a sandpaper of a finer grit next is the 220-grit sand the furniture properly by rubbing it in the direction of the grain only to prevent scratches on the furniture.
- Remove Dust: Clean it up with a tack cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
- Pour a Small Amount of Oil: Next, let the oil cool a little then pour it into a flat bowl. Take care not to use a cloth or brush that has lint on it or a synthetic bristle on a brush.
- Rub the Oil In: Rub the oil to the wood, in the direction of the grain. Mix it well into the design for the resultant even layering.
- Wait and Wipe: After that allow the oil to stand for 15-30 minutes. When the wood has soaked in the oil clean up any spillage with a clean piece of cloth.
Step 4: Allow the Oil to Cure
Allow the oil to dry for 24 hours, (longer drying time for tung oil if used). It is advisable to store the furniture in a well-dry place and dust-free environment.
Step 5: Apply Additional Coats
If you want a longer-lasting coating then apply 2-5 layers of the layers of coating recommended. After each of the coat above steps, apply, wait, and wipe. Let the final coat dry and then run over the surface with a soft abrasive to give it a good polish.
Tips for Different Woods
- Hardwoods: These types of woods are highly receptive to oil, hence there may be less need for coating.
- Softwoods: Pine and Cedar wood is more porous; therefore, may require the application of a few extra finished coatings to achieve an excellent finish.
- Oily Woods: This is because these woods contain natural oils that can affect their coating by becoming sticky or require thin coats and long drying times.
Maintenance
Apply once or twice a year to maintain the moisture and protection of the wooden furniture. When the furniture starts to look a little lifeless or over-waxed, then it’s time for another layer.
Conclusion
Massaging natural oils in wooden furniture is one of the most effective methods of giving your furniture the much-needed protection that does not fade away. Following these procedures will not only improve the natural grain of your furniture but also prolong its great appearance for many years.
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