Oils

Wood Oils for Furniture, Timber and Joinery

Shop wood oils for finishing, nourishing and protecting furniture, worktops, cabinets, turned woodwork and other suitable bare timber.

Livedale supplies Danish oil, teak oil, pure tung oil, boiled linseed oil and raw linseed oil for furniture restoration, woodworking, joinery and regular timber maintenance.

These penetrating wood finishes may also be described as:

• Furniture oils
• Timber finishing oils
• Wood-treatment oils
• Natural wood finishes
• Penetrating furniture finishes
• Wood-grain enhancing oils
• Cabinet-making oils
• Traditional timber treatments

Unlike lacquer or paint, wood oil generally penetrates the timber and enhances its natural grain rather than creating an opaque surface coating.

The correct product depends on:

• Timber species
• Interior or exterior use
• Existing finish
• Required sheen
• Water and wear resistance
• Drying time
• Future maintenance
• Intended contact with food

Shop Furniture and Wood-Finishing Oils

The range includes:

• Danish oil for an easy-to-maintain low-lustre finish
• Teak oil for teak, cedar and other suitable bare timber
• Pure tung oil for hard-wearing, food-safe interior surfaces
• Boiled linseed oil for restoring and finishing bare timber
• Raw linseed oil for traditional timber nourishment and French polishing

Rustins Danish Oil for Furniture and Turned Woodwork

The Rustins Danish Oil for Furniture and Bare Timber – 250ml, 500ml or 1 Litre is an easy-to-use wipe-on wood finish suitable for all types of timber.

Available sizes include:

• 250ml
• 500ml
• 1 litre

Danish oil enhances the natural grain and creates an open-grained, soft, low-lustre finish.

It may be suitable for:

• Tables and chairs
• Cabinets
• Shelving
• Doors
• Timber panels
• Turned bowls and ornaments
• Wooden handles
• Decorative joinery
• General furniture restoration
• New furniture manufacture

Its low-lustre appearance makes it useful where the timber should retain a natural look rather than a highly polished or heavily coated finish.

Danish Oil for Turned Timber

Danish oil is particularly suitable for turned woodwork because it can be wiped evenly around curves, shaped profiles and detailed timber.

Potential applications include:

• Turned furniture legs
• Bowls
• Spindles
• Wooden handles
• Decorative columns
• Chair components
• Carved furniture details

Apply thin, even coats and remove excess oil according to the product instructions.

Rustins Teak Oil for Interior and Exterior Timber

The Rustins Teak Oil for Teak, Cedar and Bare Wood – 250ml, 500ml or 1 Litre is based on vegetable oils and resins and provides a quick-drying penetrating seal.

Available sizes include:

• 250ml
• 500ml
• 1 litre

It may be applied with a suitable brush or cloth and produces an attractive sheen on compatible interior and exterior timber.

Potential applications include:

• Teak furniture
• Cedar
• Hardwood chairs and tables
• Garden furniture
• Interior wooden furniture
• Mid-century furniture
• Replacement timber components
• Doors and joinery
• Cabinets and shelving

Teak oil may also be described as:

• Hardwood furniture oil
• Garden-furniture oil
• Penetrating teak finish
• Cedar finishing oil
• Interior and exterior wood oil

The product name does not limit it only to teak. It may be used on other suitable bare woods where a penetrating oil-and-resin finish is required.

Rustins Pure Tung Oil for Worktops and Food-Contact Timber

The Rustins Pure Tung Oil – Solvent-Free Wood Finish, 500ml is a pure natural oil supplied in a 500ml container.

It is:

• Solvent free
• Additive free
• Non-toxic
• Suitable for contact with food
• Resistant to water
• Resistant to alcohol
• Resistant to food substances

Pure tung oil penetrates timber without leaving a conventional surface film and develops a hard-wearing finish.

Potential applications include:

• Kitchen worktops
• Chopping boards
• Wooden food-preparation surfaces
• Tables
• Shelves
• Interior joinery
• Wooden utensils
• Cabinets
• General interior timber

Tung oil may also be known as:

• Pure wood oil
• Natural food-safe wood finish
• Worktop oil
• Chopping-board oil
• Hard-wearing timber oil
• Solvent-free furniture oil

The timber should be bare, clean and suitable for oil treatment before application.

Where the finished item will contact food, allow the oil to dry and cure fully in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions before use.

Rustins Boiled Linseed Oil for Bare Timber

The Rustins Boiled Linseed Oil for Furniture and Bare Timber – 125ml or 500ml is used for finishing most bare timber.

Available sizes include:

• 125ml
• 500ml

Boiled linseed oil contains additives that speed the drying process compared with untreated raw linseed oil.

It can help replace the natural sheen lost when timber has dried through age or exposure to sunlight.

Potential applications include:

• Furniture restoration
• Bare wooden furniture
• Timber frames
• Wooden handles
• Traditional joinery
• Cabinets
• Decorative timber
• Dried or faded wooden surfaces

Boiled linseed oil may also be described as:

• BLO
• Traditional furniture oil
• Bare-timber treatment
• Linseed wood finish
• Timber nourishing oil
• Grain-enhancing furniture oil

It provides a traditional way to enhance the colour and appearance of suitable timber while retaining a natural-looking finish.

Rustins Raw Linseed Oil for Traditional Woodcare

The Rustins Raw Linseed Oil for Woodcare and French Polishing – 125ml or 500ml is a traditional natural treatment for nourishing suitable wood.

Available sizes include:

• 125ml
• 500ml

Raw linseed oil may be used:

• As a nourishing wood treatment
• As a lubricant during French polishing
• For suitable traditional restoration work
• To soften putty that has become stiff
• On appropriate bare timber
• During cabinet-making and joinery work

Raw linseed oil has not been modified with the drying additives found in boiled linseed oil and normally requires a longer drying period.

It may also be known as:

• Natural linseed oil
• Traditional wood oil
• French-polishing lubricant
• Raw flaxseed oil for timber
• Furniture-nourishing oil

Apply it sparingly and allow adequate drying time before handling the timber or applying further treatments.

Choosing Danish Oil or Teak Oil

Choose Danish oil where:

• A natural low-lustre furniture finish is required
• The timber is indoors
• An easy wipe-on finish is preferred
• Turned woodwork is being treated
• The grain should remain open and visible
• Straightforward future maintenance is important

Choose teak oil where:

• Teak, cedar or another suitable bare wood is being treated
• Interior or exterior timber needs a penetrating seal
• A slightly more pronounced sheen is preferred
• Garden or hardwood furniture is being maintained
• Brush or cloth application is required

The timber, location and manufacturer’s guidance should determine the final choice rather than the product name alone.

Choosing Tung Oil or Danish Oil

Choose pure tung oil where:

• A solvent-free natural oil is preferred
• The surface may contact food
• Resistance to water, alcohol and food is important
• Worktops or chopping boards are being treated
• A hard-wearing interior finish is required

Choose Danish oil where:

• A lower-lustre general furniture finish is needed
• Easy wipe-on application is preferred
• The project includes turned timber
• The surface does not specifically require a food-contact finish
• A ready-formulated furniture oil is more convenient

Pure tung oil and Danish oil have different compositions and should not be treated as identical finishes.

Choosing Raw or Boiled Linseed Oil

Choose boiled linseed oil where:

• A traditional bare-timber finish is required
• Faster drying is beneficial
• Dried timber needs its natural sheen restoring
• General furniture and joinery are being treated

Choose raw linseed oil where:

• A traditional natural nourishing treatment is required
• The oil will be used as a French-polishing lubricant
• Longer drying periods are acceptable
• Stiff putty needs softening
• The original method specifies raw linseed oil

Do not substitute one for the other without considering the required drying time and intended application.

Wood Oil or Furniture Lacquer?

Choose wood oil where:

• A penetrative finish is preferred
• The natural texture of the timber should remain apparent
• Easy maintenance and reapplication are important
• A softer, more natural appearance is required
• The timber is suitable for oiling

Choose Fast-Drying AC Furniture Lacquer where:

• A professional spray-applied coating is required
• Greater abrasion and chemical resistance are needed
• A consistent sheen level is important
• Fast production finishing is required
• A sealed surface coating is preferred

Oil and lacquer are different finishing systems and should not be combined without confirming compatibility.

Wood Oil or French Polish?

Choose wood oil where:

• A natural penetrative finish is required
• Straightforward maintenance is important
• The timber should retain an open-grained appearance
• Wipe-on application is preferred

Choose French Polish and Wood Sealers where:

• Traditional shellac finishing is required
• Antique furniture is being restored
• A polished surface with greater depth and clarity is preferred
• The project calls for traditional French-polishing techniques

Raw linseed oil may be used as a lubricant during suitable French-polishing work, but it is not itself a substitute for shellac polish.

Preparing Timber Before Applying Oil

Furniture oil should normally be applied to clean, dry and compatible timber.

A practical preparation process may include:

1. Identify the existing finish.
2. Remove dirt, grease and old wax.
3. Strip incompatible paint, lacquer or varnish where necessary.
4. Repair cracks, holes and damaged timber.
5. Sand the surface evenly.
6. Work in the direction of the grain where practical.
7. Remove all sanding dust.
8. Wipe with a suitable preparation cloth.
9. Test the oil on an inconspicuous area.
10. Protect surrounding upholstery and flooring.

Browse:

• Paint Strippers, Thinners and Spirits
• Wood Fillers, Waxes and Touch-Up Repairs
• Steel Wool and Wood-Finishing Abrasives
• Woodcare Cloths and Tack Rags

Oil will not normally penetrate evenly through remaining varnish, lacquer, wax or paint.

Applying Furniture Oil

Always follow the instructions for the selected oil.

A typical application process may involve:

1. Stir or prepare the oil as directed.
2. Pour a small quantity into a clean container.
3. Apply a controlled amount with a brush or lint-free cloth.
4. Work evenly along the grain.
5. Avoid heavy pools around joints and mouldings.
6. Allow the oil to penetrate.
7. Remove excess product where instructed.
8. Allow the correct drying time.
9. Lightly prepare the surface between coats if required.
10. Apply additional coats until the desired finish is achieved.

Browse:

• Woodcare Brushes for Oils and Finishes
• Lint-Free Furniture-Finishing Cloths

Thin, controlled applications generally produce a more consistent result than leaving a heavy layer of oil on the surface.

Applying Oil to End Grain and Turned Wood

End grain and highly absorbent timber sections may take up more oil than surrounding surfaces.

Pay particular attention to:

• Chair-leg ends
• Turned components
• Cut timber edges
• Mouldings
• Carved details
• Replacement wooden parts
• Worktop edges
• Exposed joints

Apply the oil gradually and compare the colour and sheen with adjoining timber.

A foam brush, fitch brush or clean lint-free cloth can help reach shaped and detailed furniture sections.

Applying Oil to Previously Finished Furniture

Before applying oil to old furniture, identify the existing finish.

The surface may contain:

• Wax
• Shellac
• Varnish
• Lacquer
• Paint
• Silicone polish
• Previous oil treatments
• Unknown restoration products

Oil may not penetrate through an incompatible surface coating.

Where the existing finish cannot be identified, test a concealed area before treating the complete furniture item.

Do not apply fresh oil simply to disguise a failing lacquer, lifting veneer or structural timber damage.

Sanding Between Oil Coats

Some oil finishes may require light preparation between coats.

Where permitted by the manufacturer, use a fine abrasive to remove raised grain or minor surface imperfections.

Suitable options may include:

• Fine foam-backed sanding pads
• Fine cabinet glasspaper
• Ultra-fine wire wool where compatible

Browse Steel Wool, Wire Wool and Wood-Finishing Abrasives.

After cutting back:

1. Remove all loose residue.
2. Wipe the surface clean.
3. Check that the previous coat is dry.
4. Apply the next coat evenly.

Avoid sanding through the oil finish at edges and raised furniture details.

Maintaining an Oiled Wood Finish

Oiled furniture can often be maintained by cleaning the surface and applying a further compatible coat when the timber begins to appear dry or worn.

Before maintenance:

• Remove loose dirt
• Clean the surface appropriately
• Allow it to dry
• Lightly prepare worn areas where required
• Test the maintenance coat
• Apply the same or a compatible oil
• Remove excess product
• Allow full drying before use

Do not apply unrelated waxes, polishes or silicone products if future oil penetration needs to be retained.

Colour Changes When Applying Wood Oil

Most furniture oils deepen or warm the natural colour of timber.

The final appearance can vary according to:

• Wood species
• Timber age
• Grain direction
• Existing stain
• Surface preparation
• Number of coats
• Absorbency
• Oil selected
• Lighting conditions

Always test the complete finishing process on an offcut or hidden area.

A pale timber may become considerably darker once oil is applied.

Using Wood Stain Before Oil

Some timber may be coloured before oiling, provided that the stain and oil are compatible.

Browse Light-Fast Furniture Wood Stains for professional alcohol-based furniture stains.

Before treating the full item:

1. Prepare a sample of the timber.
2. Apply the selected stain.
3. Allow it to dry fully.
4. Apply the proposed oil.
5. Allow the complete system to dry.
6. Check colour, adhesion and appearance.

The oil may deepen the stain and alter the final shade.

Cleaning Oil Brushes and Application Equipment

Clean brushes and tools using the method recommended for the selected oil.

After use:

• Remove excess oil
• Clean brushes promptly
• Use the specified cleaner
• Reshape the bristles
• Allow equipment to dry safely
• Keep different finishing systems separate
• Store the oil container securely

Do not return used oil from an application container to the original tin, as dust or contamination may affect the remaining product.

Safe Storage and Disposal of Oil-Soaked Cloths

Cloths contaminated with linseed oil, Danish oil, teak oil or other drying oils may generate heat as the oil cures.

Oil-soaked cloths must not be:

• Left crumpled together
• Placed in a pile
• Stored beside combustible materials
• Put directly into ordinary workshop waste
• Left near heat or ignition sources

Follow the product manufacturer’s instructions for safe drying, storage and disposal.

Use suitable ventilation and wear appropriate gloves and eye protection while applying furniture oils.

Trade Furniture and Wood-Finishing Oils

Livedale supplies Danish oil, teak oil, pure tung oil and raw or boiled linseed oil to professional furniture restorers, cabinet makers, joiners, woodturners, upholsterers, manufacturers and training workshops throughout the UK.

The range covers:

• Natural furniture finishing
• Worktops and food-contact timber
• Turned woodwork
• Interior and exterior furniture
• Traditional French-polishing work
• General timber nourishment
• Furniture restoration and maintenance

Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Choose the oil according to the timber, intended use, required appearance, drying time and future maintenance needs.