Get the best oils to use on furniture for protection and maintenance. Discover which oils to use and how to apply them.
Here’s a short story, I promise it’s related! I’ve had a buzz cut for a while, and the reason for the big chop is a story I might never share… or maybe I will! Anyway, I was thrilled with my new look and wanted to take care of my short hair with a nourishing sheen spray. It worked wonders – The shine, the look, and how my hair grew. I was hooked!
I couldn’t find the product again when it was time to restock, I had to settle for an alternative. Big mistake! My hair started looking dry and dull. If I had to rate the product, I’d give it a zero.
Now, you might be wondering how this relates to the best oils to use on furniture. Well, the type of wood oil you use matters just as much as the hair products you choose. Using the wrong wood oil can leave your furniture looking dull and worn out, much like my hair did with the alternative product.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of the 5 best oils to use on furniture, although every wood oil has its specific advantage, nevertheless, the best oils to use on furniture are what we’ll discuss. So let us quickly look through it.
Table of Contents
What Is Wood Oil?
Alright, it’s no rocket science. Wood oil is a popular wood finishing technique that is used to protect and enhance the appearance of wood. Although there are different types of wood finishing, applying oil to your woodworking project is a way of finalizing it. It’s like the icing on the cake. You get it, right?
5 Best Oils to Use on Furniture
The best oils to use on furniture depends on the look you wish to achieve; that is the furniture’s appearance and then the degree of protection. By the end of this article, you’ll be sure to know which to go for as I provide the best oils to use on furniture; their benefits and disadvantages as well as how to apply them.
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is one of the best oils to use on furniture, it is a type of oil that is derived from the flax plant, and it is a popular choice for wood finishing. If you wish to give your wood furniture a natural, shiny finish as well as to protect it from damage, then your go-to oil should be linseed oil.
There are numerous types of linseed oil but the most popular are raw linseed oil and boiled linseed oil.
Raw linseed oil as the name implies means it has not been processed which requires it to have a longer drying time this makes it the only difference it has from boiled linseed oil.
As boiled linseed oil has been processed (boiled) to reduce the drying time. It is advisable to use it on all wood types apart from oak.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Linseed oil helps protect wood from drying out | Slow drying time, regularly up to a week of raw. |
| Water resistance | It can cause the wood to get yellow over time |
| Non-toxic and eco-friendly | May require frequent application |
| Non toxic and eco-friendly | Vulnerable to humidity |
How to Apply
- Sand the wood to a smooth finish, removing dust
- Wipe down the wood with a clean, dry cloth to remove any debris
- Choose a clean, lint-free cloth or a varnish brush for application
- Apply a thin, even layer of linseed oil to the wood, working in the direction of the grain
- Use long, smooth strokes to cover the entire surface, avoiding overlapping or applying too much oil
- Let the first coat dry completely (usually 5-24 hours)
- Apply additional applications using the same procedure as the first coat.
- Before applying the next layer, let the previous one dry out completely.
- Typically, 2-3 coats are enough, but additional coats may be needed for optimal protection
- Let the final coat dry completely, – Once dry, wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth
- Maintain finish by reapplying every year.
Tung Oil
Tung oil is another wood oil and one of the best oils you can use on furniture projects. It is a natural non-toxic oil derived from the tung tree’s seed (vernicia fordii). If you want your end product to have a transparent look like satin or wet appearance, then you should go for this oil, unlike linseed oil which produces a shiny look.
Tung oil is normally used on wooden floors, furniture, handmade toys, decks, cabinetry, and more. If you are in search of which wood oil to use for your project, tung oil is surely one of the best oils to use on furniture.
There are various types of Tung oil which are
- Pure tung oil: A safe and natural oil that is taken from the nut of the tung tree. It serves as a finish for wood.
- Tung oil finish: It is basically pure tung oil that is often blended with other oils or solvent
- Tung wiping varnish: A specific type of varnish made from tung oil.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Dries faster than other wood oil | Tung oil is not odor free. It has a natural nutlike smell |
| It is highly durable and can withstand wear and tear | Open to scratches even though it is more durable than linseed oil |
| Tung oil doesn’t darken over time | It might get a plastic-like look if applied too many coats |
| Enhances the appearance of wood, bringing out its grain and color | Quite expensive when compared with linseed oil |
How to Apply
- First Ensure to clean the surface making sure there is no dirt on the wood
- Thin the oil; that is combine it with mineral spirits or solvent for easy application and also to enable it to dry faster.
- Apply a reasonable amount on the first layer and allow it to absorb
- Apply another coat and continue if necessary
- After adding enough coats that the wood won’t take any more oil, use a clean cloth to clean the surface
- Then allow the oil to fully cure, this will actually take days
- No need to add sealants or protective products, Tung oil naturally seals and has a waterproof finish
- Using heated water and dish soap clean all areas. Tung oil is easy to clean. And that’s all.
Danish Oil
Some people often mistake Danish oil to be originated from Denmark or northern Germany. The oil was named ‘Danish oil’ because it was advertised as having similarities with the wood finishing oil used on Danish furniture, which is one of the best oils to use on furniture.
Danish oil is a varnish and natural oil mixture. Its primary function is to penetrate into wooden surfaces and then enhance with a satin-like look.
To get your own Danish oil, you can make a mixture of tung oil with mineral spirits and linseed oil but it is advisable to not do so as you might not be certain of the right ratio. Instead, shop for reputable brands.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Enhances the appearance of wood by bringing out it natural beauty | Time-consuming as regular maintenance is required |
| Low odor | May ignite suddenly |
| able to expand and contract with wood in reaction to temperature and humidity changes | Less durability when compared to tung oil |
| Dries faster | lacks the ability to even out the wood grain |
| It is a waterproof oil making it ideal for outdoor furniture | Not heat-tolerant |
| It can be used as a primer or sealer because of its hard-drying properties | It will not provide a high-gloss coating |
How to Apply
- For a smoother surface, sand the wood.
- Remove any sanding dust
- Apply the first coat of Danish oil with a brush or cloth, working in the direction of the wood grain
- Allow the oil to soak in thoroughly
- Use a rag to rub the wood and achieve a smooth, even sheen
- Let the wood dry for several hours
- Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper dipped in Danish oil
- Apply a second coat of Danish oil
- Ideally, the surface should dry for two to three days before use.
Teak Oil
Teak oil is also one of the best oils to use on furniture, particularly suitable wood for outdoor furniture like garden tables and chairs. Interestingly enough, teak oil isn’t made from teak trees. Similar to Danish oil, it is a combination of mineral spirits (petroleum naphtha, which acts as a thinner for the oil), varnish, pure tung oil, and linseed oil.
The reason for its name is based on its ability to work well on teak wood and other hard surfaces. Although it can be used on softwood it’s best on hardwoods.
Teak oil gives wood a beautiful, rich dark color and a slightly glossy finish. It’s a great way to keep your furniture looking its best and feeling fresh!
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Teak oil does not crack or peel over time | Unlike Danish oil, teak oil is not water-resistant so it’s advisable not to apply it to furniture that comes in contact with water like kitchen utensils |
| Shields wood from UV light | One major disadvantage is that it darkens the wood color. It’s best not to apply on light colored furniture |
| improves the natural beauty of wood | Regular maintenance that requires time and money |
| suitable for both indoor and outdoor use | teak oil isn’t food-safe |
| Non-toxic and gentle on the surface | time-consuming |
| Mold and mildew resistance | – |
How to Apply
- Clean and dry the furniture thoroughly before starting.
- Use a cloth or newspaper to cover your work area.
- Apply teak oil to the furniture using a brush, making sure you get out any excess oil from the brush.
- Apply the oil sparingly, avoiding puddles and ensuring even coverage.
- Repeat the process until the wood no longer absorbs the oil – this means the appearance now has a slightly glossy look
- After 15 minutes, let it sit before using a cloth to remove any leftover oil.
- To polish and create a shine, use another cloth.
- Reapply teak oil annually or when the wood starts to look dull.
Hardwax Oil
Listing the best oils to use on furniture without mentioning hard-wax oil is like a recipe without the secret ingredient – it’s incomplete and might not successfully guide you to making the right choice.
Hardwax oil is a combination of natural oils like linseed oil and waxes like beeswax. Both combos work together to give a protective finish to wooden furniture. While linseed oil is well recognized for maintaining and improving the beauty of wood, beeswax gives the finish more hardness and lifespan.
It is suitable for both beginners and experts in woodworking
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Can achieve matte to satin sheen | Limited durability |
| Preserves wood natural appearance and texture | It can darken or become brittle with excessive UV exposure |
| available in various colors | It may become open to dirt if not maintained |
| Non toxic and low-odor | – |
| Stain resistant due to the wax | – |
How to Apply
- Confirm that the wood is free of dirt and dry.
- To even out the surface of the wood, sand it.
- Remove all dust and debris
- Stir the hard wax oil container well
- Using a paintbrush or roller, apply a light coat.
- Give the first coat eight hours to dry.
- Sand to smooth out the surface, removing any dust
- Use the same process to apply a second coat.
- Give the second coat a full day to dry.
What Are the Reasons for Wood Finishing?
Here are the main reasons why wood finishing is an important step in woodworking projects!
- Protection: Wood finishing protects the wood from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors that can cause damage.
- Enhancement: It enhances the appearance of the wood, bringing out its natural beauty and grain.
- Durability: Wood oil makes wood more resilient to deterioration and more lasting.
- Easy maintenance: Wood oil makes it simple to keep the wood in good condition and protects it from damage and discoloration.
- Aesthetics: Wood finishing allows for creative expression and can add color, texture, and style to the wood.
- Value: it could increase the project’s worth
- Hygiene: Wood finishing can help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on the wood.
- UV protection: Some wood finishes offer UV protection, which can help prevent the wood from fading or discoloring due to sunlight exposure.
Final Thoughts
Wood finish oils can do a lot for your furniture; from providing protection and enhancement to maintaining the overall health, durability, and aesthetic appeal of the wood. Choosing the right oil does not have to be a challenging task, with these 5 best oils to use on furniture, you’re good to make an informed decision. Just like my hair journey taught me the importance of using the right products, using the right oil on your furniture can make all the difference in maintaining it.
