The Purpose and Benefits of Timber Oil

In today’s market, there are so many waxes, varnishes, oils, and lacquers available and even the option of eco-friendly products too. There is still confusion around when you need to use timber oils and just what they protect your timber against. The most popular and commonly used oils are as followed:

• Teak oil
• Tung oil
• Linseed il 
• Danish oil

What is timber oil?

Timber oils have become a popular way to protect and finish wood. The timber oils are manufactured by extracting and then mixing up the natural oils such as linseed oil, which will extend to a soya oil. The main benefit of using this oil on any timber is to accentuate the characteristics and beauty of the timber and to protect it so that it is durable. 

If you are looking for a beautiful, soft, natural, and clean finish, timber oil will be your first option.  Timber oils can help to protect timber furniture however, they don’t protect the wood as much as lacquers and varnishes do. Some other benefits are that it can be used on a larger spectrum of application due to it being manufactured from natural oils. The timber oils are less harmful to living and organic materials.

Timber oil needs to be applied to bare and natural wood but in some cases, it can be applied to already stained wood. The timber oils penetrate deep into the timber. Applying the oil is hard work and time consuming compared to other coating alternatives. In this case, the oil needs to be applied and rubbed in with a rag or cloth, whereas varnish and lacquer can just be painted on.

The benefits of applying timber oils

• Rainproof and ready to use – Most oils dry within 4 to 8 hours.
• Timber oils offer great coverage 
• Timber oils offer UV filters that help to avoid the harmful effects of UV damage on the timber. Did you know that the darker coloured oils can offer better UV protection than the light and transparent ones?
• Timber oils can replenish the oils in the timber so the wood stays supple and nourished
• Timber oils can prevent splitting, cracking and warping of the wood
• The oils are clean and easy to maintain and when you do another coat there is no need to sand the previous one
• Easy to complete patch repairs and works well on high traffic environments
• Timber oil doesn’t flake, crack or peel. There is no blistering on the surface of the wood
• Timber oil helps to protect against algae and mould treatment for wood when it is well maintained
• Timber oils are not slippery and they offer a more natural uneven texture of the timber and even offer grip potential.
• Wood oil is water repellent and will give off a more stained look than a gloss appearance. 

Different Timber oils mean different applications

Linseed oil

Linseed oil is extracted from dried and ripened seeds, a plant called flax. This oil can be used on its own but is more popularly used when mixed with other solvents, oils, and resins. Linseed oil is slow drying and can be applied with a rag or fluffy cloth. You need to rub off the oil after 10-15 minutes. You will need to wait for 24hrs between coats. Three coats are recommended for the best result.

Teak oil

It is recommended that the whole area is to be cleaned properly prior to application. Two to three coats should be used and applied with a lint-free cloth. You need to wait twelve hours between each coat. If the wood is being exposed to the weather and outdoor environment, then applying a wood preservative treatment initially is a good idea.

Each different timber oil will have its own benefits and drawbacks so ensure you research each one thoroughly before making your choice.