How to protect an oak table
Oak is an extremely strong and durable type of wood. That’s what makes it the perfect material for your kitchen or garden table. With the right treatment and proper maintenance you can enjoy your oak table for a lifetime.
In this article:
Which oil to choose for your oak table?
All oils are different. That’s why you should certainly pay attention to these three things when buying oil to treat your table:
- Check if the oil is suitable for oak.
- Choose oil that is ideal for surfaces that are used frequently.
- Decide which colour suits your interior best.
And, there is more! Are you looking to achieve an invisible look? Then we recommend a product that can treat oak with a neutral colour. Every type of wood is different. It is therefore a good idea to test the product on the bottom of the surface.
If you want to colour and protect your table with one single coat, Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is the solution. It’s an ecological oil and can be applied to all interior wood surfaces. From furniture and table tops to stairs and floors. Perfect for surfaces that are used frequently.
Oil Plus 2C, made from linseed, darkens the wood. To preserve the natural colour of pale oak, the colours Natural, Smoke 5% and White 5% are recommended.
For red oak, on the other hand, it is best to use a pre-colouring oil. First neutralise the red colour with our Precolor Easy (Mint White). Then apply Oil Plus 2C (White 5%) to get the desired result. This way you’ll get an optimal protection without any difference in colour.
How to prepare an untreated oak table for treatment?
Did you buy a brand new table or do you want to freshen up an old one? In both cases, the first step consists of sanding the wood. Evenly sand the surface with a 100 to 150-grit paper for that perfect finishing touch.
Last but not least: thoroughly vacuum the surface and clean it with Cleaner to remove even the smallest dust. Let the wood dry until it has its original colour, before you start applying the oil.
How to apply the oil correctly?
The Oil Plus 2C consists of two components: oil and an accelerator. Put the oil into a mixing cup, stir well and add the accelerator in a ratio of 3 to 1. After mixing the two components into a homogeneous mixture, you can use the product for four to six hours.
Apply a small amount to your oak table and spread it with a Scrubby pad. Let the oil soak in for three to five minutes and then wipe off the excessive oil with a fuzz-proof towel. Try to work in zones as much as possible to make sure you can work the wood and remove surplus oil within fifteen minutes.
Let the table dry for 24 hours before (re)use and wait at least five days before cleaning it with water or soap.
How to maintain an oak table?
After an oil treatment like this, it is important to maintain your oak table properly to ensure a long living room life. Keep the surface clean with our ready-to-use Surface Care products.
Did you go through every part? Good job! Your oak table is completely ready for countless cosy dinners with family and friends. Find more information on how to treat and maintain an oak table on our website.
