A Guide to Wood Oils: Everything You Need to Know
Wood oils have gained popularity as a natural way to protect, preserve and enhance the beauty of wooden surfaces.
Wood oils have gained popularity as a natural way to protect, preserve and enhance the beauty of wooden surfaces. To maintain the appearance and longevity of wood, it's essential to treat it with care and protection. This is where wood oils come into play. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of wood oils, covering everything from what wood oil is to how to use it, the best types for different applications, maintenance tips, and frequently asked questions.
Firstly, What is Wood Oil?
Before we get into the details, it's important to understand the basics. Wood oil is a specially formulated product designed to penetrate the wood's surface and protect it from various elements, including moisture and general wear and tear. The primary purpose of wood oil is to enhance the wood's natural beauty while providing it with a protective barrier.
Why Use Wood Oil?
Using wood oil offers plenty of benefits. Here are some of the top reasons to consider incorporating it into your wood maintenance routine:
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Wood oil enhances the natural grain and colour of the wood, giving it a rich, lustrous appearance. This aesthetic improvement can be particularly striking on furniture, floors, and outdoor structures like decking and sheds.
- Protection from Moisture: Wood is susceptible to moisture damage, which can lead to warping, rotting, and the growth of mould and mildew. Wood oil creates a hydrophobic barrier that repels water and prevents these issues.
- UV Protection: Exposure to sunlight can cause wood to fade and lose its vibrancy. Exterior wood oil acts as a shield against harmful UV rays, preserving the wood's colour and reducing the risk of sun damage.
- Longevity: Regular application of wood oil can significantly extend the lifespan of wood products, making them more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- Ease of Maintenance: Wood oil makes cleaning and maintaining wood surfaces easier, as it repels dirt and grime, allowing for simple and efficient cleaning.
What Oil to Use on Wood?
The Rubio Monocoat range offers some of the best and most durable wood oils on the market. Our unique formula provides a superior finish with just one coat, making it an excellent option for those looking for a quick - but effective - solution.
Best Oil for Indoor Wood Furniture & Surfaces
Oil Plus 2C represents the cutting-edge of oil technology, thanks to its revolutionary binding properties. This innovative product forms a molecular bond with the wood fibres on the surface, providing both protection and vibrant colour in just one single layer. By eliminating overlaps and marks, you can achieve efficient usage and long-lasting preservation for your wood.
This wood oil not only preserves the natural appearance and fibre structure of the wood, but it's also incredibly easy to apply on various types of wood and dries rapidly. With the inclusion of the B component (accelerator), the surface becomes dry within 24 hours and fully cured after just 5 days. Once 5 days have passed since application, the surface can be effortlessly cleaned using water and soap.
The Oil Plus 2C range offers a vibrant array of colours, boasting over 40 options to choose from. This collection features hues that enhance the natural beauty of your wood, as well as modern, trendy colours that add a touch of brightness to your interior with their vivid shades.
What is the Best Exterior Wood Oil?
This would be DuroGrit, our exterior oil with FibreGrit technology and a revolutionary new way to finish and protect your exterior wood.Our newest exterior oil is suitable for all external wood applications, including deckings, furniture, gates, fences, sheds and garden houses. It’s a sustainable, wood-based and water-soluble oil that colours and protects all exterior wood in one single layer, much like our beloved Oil Plus 2C.
FibreGrit Technology
The FibreGrit Technology, where added wood fibres give the oil its unique structure, provides the perfect combination between a saturating and a breathable monocoat system. For more technical information and advice, please see our product page.
DuroGrit will change the exterior finishing industry, not only due to the revolutionary technology, but also due to the colour selection and ease of application.
How to Apply our Interior Wood Oil
Proper application is crucial to achieving the best results with wood oil. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply wood oil to your wood surfaces:
- Prepare the Surface:
Clean the wood thoroughly, removing any dirt, dust, or existing finishes. Sand the wood if needed to ensure a smooth surface.
- Apply the Oil: Use a beige scrubby pad sponge to apply the wood oil evenly along the grain of the wood.
- Wait for Absorption: Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for the recommended 5 minutes.
- Remove Excess Oil:
Wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
- Allow for Drying:
Let the wood oil dry completely (Oil Plus 2C takes up to 12-24 hours).
It's that simple!
How to Apply our Exterior Wood Oil
Lastly, we will look at how to apply DuroGrit - trust us, it’s easy!
On new wood
- Allow the new installed wood to weather outdoors for about 4-6 weeks (except oak).
When this is not possible, sand the wood scratch-free with a screen 80 grit to open the wood pores. Allow already installed new wood or wood containing natural wood extractives (oak, red cedar, redwood etc.) and especially hardwood (ipé, teak, merba etc.) to weather outdoors for about 4-6 weeks. This will allow the water-soluble substances to come out of the wood and will allow the wood to absorb the DuroGrit better.
- Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and let it dry. First wet the wooden surface with a fine mist of water from a garden hose. Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and a stiff bristled nylon scrubbing brush (wear gloves and eye protection). Do not allow the solution to dry. Thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution residue with clean water until all foaming residue is rinsed away. Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply DuroGrit. Only work in frost-free and dry conditions and avoid application of DuroGrit when rain is expected within 10 hours of application. Stir the product a few minutes before use. Apply the product evenly to the surface with a soft, synthetic brush made for water-based products. Work in the direction of the wood installation, always covering the full length. For vertically installed boards, this means from top to bottom and for horizontally installed wood from left to right (or vice versa). So never stop in the middle of a board but only at a natural break (e.g. a seam, edge, staircase, etc.). Work in small sections of about 1 or 2 boards wide. Always apply sufficient product and brush again afterwards to avoid start/stop and brush marks (remember not to exert too much pressure on the brush).
- Let the surface dry for about 3 hours.
Complete curing takes place after 3 days (at 20°C (68°F)). Keep in mind that low temperatures, low ventilation and high humidity significantly slow down the drying and curing process.
On wood that needs renovating or has older and non-Rubio Monocoat products on
- Remove all residues of old applications.
Remove all residues of old applications by sanding the surface scratch-free. End with a screen 80 grit, do not sand smoother. The smoother you sand, the less product can penetrate in the wood and the less intense the colour (and protection) will be. Is your wood too dirty to start sanding right away? Then first clean it with either water or Exterior Wood Cleaner (see step 2 for instructions). By already removing a lot of dirt beforehand, your sandpaper won't get clogged up right away when sanding.
- Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and let it dry. First wet the wooden surface with a fine mist of water. Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and a stiff bristled nylon scrubbing brush (wear gloves and eye protection). Do not allow the solution to dry and thoroughly rinse off the cleaning solution residue with clean water until all foaming residue is rinsed away. Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply DuroGrit. Only work in frost-free and dry conditions and avoid application of DuroGrit when rain is expected within 10 hours of application. Stir the product a few minutes before use. Apply the product evenly to the surface with a soft, synthetic brush made for water-based products. Work in the direction of the wood installation, always covering the full length. For vertically installed boards, this means from top to bottom and for horizontally installed wood from left to right (or vice versa). So never stop in the middle of a board but only at a natural break (e.g. a seam, edge, staircase, etc.). Work in small sections of about 1 or 2 boards wide. Always apply sufficient product and brush again afterwards to avoid start/stop and brush marks (remember not to exert too much pressure on the brush).
- Let dry for about 3 hours.
Complete curing takes place after 3 days (at 20°C / 68°F). Keep in mind that low temperatures, low ventilation and high humidity significantly slow down the drying and curing process.
For those looking for industrial application, please get in touch with the technical team!
Tip: Maintain a wet edge to avoid overlaps. Errors created during application (start marks, brush marks, overlaps, …) can be touched up on the wet surface up to 15 minutes after application (depending on the weather conditions). Apply a little extra DuroGrit on the mark. Put some pressure on your brush so the product that has already been applied dissolves and mixes with the new one. Finally smooth out until you no longer have brush marks. And there you have it - almost everything you need to know about DuroGrit.
How Frequently Should I Use Wood Oil?
The frequency of wood oil application varies depending on the specific use and environmental conditions. Let's look at different scenarios:
For Exterior Wood Furniture
Outdoor wood furniture is exposed to harsh conditions, so it's advisable to reapply wood oil every 1 to 2 years, or as soon as you notice the wood losing its lustre or becoming more absorbent.
For Outdoor Wood Decking
Outdoor decking typically requires more frequent maintenance. Consider reapplying decking oil every 12 months, as it faces heavy foot traffic and constant exposure to the elements.
For Interior Surfaces
Indoor wood surfaces, such as floors and furniture, typically need less frequent maintenance. You can generally reapply indoor wood oil every 2 to 5 years or as needed, depending on the level of wear and tear. Luckily, we have our Universal Maintenance Oil 2 Mix to bring your lifeless oiled surfaces back to life!
What is the Difference Between Wood Oil & Stain?
Wood oil and wood stain are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. Wood stain is primarily used to change the colour of wood, while wood oil enhances the wood's natural colour and provides protection. Wood oil penetrates the wood, whereas wood stain forms a surface layer. If you want to maintain the wood's natural appearance and provide protection, wood oil is the better choice. Oil Plus 2C both stains and protects.
Types of Wood that Oil Plus 2C Works On
Oil Plus 2C is a versatile two-component wood oil that is suitable for all wood types, including oak, cherry, pine, and much more. It offers the advantages of enhancing the wood's natural beauty and providing durable protection. It's often used for wood floors, furniture, cabinetry, and other interior applications.
Top Wood Maintenance Tips
Maintaining wood is an ongoing process, but following these tips can help you keep your wood surfaces looking great for years to come:
Wood Floors
- Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris.
- Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
- Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
- Clean spills promptly with a damp cloth. Use our Stain Remover Set to keep those pesky stains!
- Use our range of aftercare products to help maintain the flooring.
Wood Furniture
- Dust your furniture regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
- Use coasters or placemats to protect the wood from moisture and heat.
- Keep furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Use our Universal Maintenance Oil 2 Mix to keep the furniture refreshed every 12 months.
Sheds
- Regularly inspect for any signs of damage or wear.
- Clean and reapply wood oil every 1 to 2 years.
- Clear out any debris or clutter inside the shed.
Decking
- Sweep or use a leaf blower to remove debris from the surface.
- Pressure wash once a year to remove dirt and grime.
- Reapply wood oil every 1-2 years, or as needed.
By following these tips and using high-quality products like our DuroGrit, you can keep your wood surfaces looking beautiful and well-protected for years to come.
Wood Oil FAQs
We've compiled a brief list of frequently asked questions about wood oil to help you better understand its uses and maintenance:
How many coats of oil do I need to use on wood?
Just 1 coat of Oil Plus 2C or DuroGrit is required for optimal protection and colour intensity.
Can you oil decking when it's wet?
No, it's best to oil decking when it's dry and the forecast calls for several days of dry weather. This allows for proper drying and maximum absorption.
Is wood oil safe for food contact?
Yes, Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is completely food-safe once fully cured.
