15 Best Oil for Wood Furniture: Reviews and Guide

A beautiful finish is the dream of every woodworker. Whether on furniture, cabinets, floors, or other items, the right finish elevates the wood’s aesthetics, protects it, and, above all, prolongs its lifespan.

As such, wood oiling has become very popular. Wood oil nourishes the wood from within, replenishing and enhancing the wood’s natural properties. It also protects wooden items and is cost-effective in the long term.

So, today, we want to look at some of the best oil for wood furniture. Which are the best oils for wood finishing?

Our Top Picks

Best Oil for Wood Furniture

1. SunnySide Pure Raw Linseed Oil – Best Overall Finish for Wood
2. Watco Danish Oil – Best Oil for Unfinished Wood
3. Watco Teak Oil + Stain – Best Oil for Outdoor Wood Furniture
4. Tried & Tru Original Wood Finish – Best Oil for Wood Table
5. Osmo Clear Mate Top Oil – Best Natural Oil for Wood Furniture
6. Star Brite Premium Teak Oil – Best Oil for Mid-Century Oil
7. Watco Tung Oil Finish – Best Tung Oil
8. Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain – Best Oil for Wood Veneer
9. WEIMAN Lemon Oil – Best Oil for Dry Wooden Furniture
10. RONSEAL Decking oil – Best Oil for Decking Floors
11. Cabot Deck and Siding Stain – Best Oil for Treating Wood
12. Thirteen Chefs’ Food-Grade Mineral Oil – Best Food Grade Wood Oil
13. OSMO Polyx Hard Wax Oil – Best Oil for Antique Wood Furniture
14. Restore-A-Finish Walnut Oil – Best Oil for Walnut Wood
15. Rust-Oleum Natural Satin Finishing Wax – Best Oil for Old Wood Furniture

Best Oil for Wood Furniture Reviews

Let’s begin with the product reviews. The following are fifteen of the best oils for wooden furniture to consider for your next project.

1. Best Overall Finish for Wood – SunnySide Pure Raw Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is an age-old wood finishing material. Extracted from flax seed, it’s commonly used to preserve lumber and as an ingredient in paints, varnishes, and stains.

Many traditional communities also use linseed to protect furniture from deterioration, damage, and discoloration. 

Thus, you can expect a bit of magic from Sunnyside Corporation’s raw linseed oil. First, it’s a natural wood protector that shields furniture from moisture, weather, and wear.

Therefore, you can use it on indoor and outdoor furniture. Secondly, Sunnyside raw linseed oil replenishes faded and tired wood. It brings wood back to life by drawing out the natural wood grain and revitalizing the natural shine. 

Above all, Sunnyside raw linseed oil extends the lifespan of wooden furniture. Applying it to unfinished wood or mixing it into oil-based paints and stains fortifies the wood and extends the furniture’s lifespan. 

The oil is safe for vegetable gardens and butcher blocks, and although it has a mild smell, the odor is harmless. However, beware that it dries very slowly, typically taking 2-4 days for the oil coat to dry completely.

Sunnyside raw linseed oil is available in quarts, gallons, and bulk packs and is for use in raw wood only.

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2. Best Oil for Unfinished Wood – Watco Danish Oil

Watco products are a staple in the woodworking industry. The company makes some of the best finishing oils and stains. One of their finest products is Watco Danish Oil, an interior finishing wood oil with the protective properties of a varnish.

Indeed, Watco says the Danish oil is a blend of oil and varnish. Watco Danish Oil stands out for many reasons. First, it’s ideal for a variety of wood surfaces, including bare, stripped, and sanded surfaces (though it’s not recommended for floors).

Secondly, it penetrates deeply into the wood but dries pretty fast. Your oiled surface should be completely dry within six hours.

Another reason we love Watco Danish Oil is that it’s very economical. One quart (947ml) covers an impressive 170 square feet. Better still, the oil is very easy to apply. You’re guaranteed to finish most projects in under an hour. 

Watco Danish Oil protects surfaces from spills, abrasion, chipping, and peeling. Moreover, it creates a warm, rich glow that enhances the natural look and feel of the wood. Feel free to use it on bare wood or sanded surfaces.

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3. Best Oil for Outdoor Wood Furniture – Watco Teak Oil + Stain

The Watco brand has several teak oil finishes designed for different applications. We’re specifically interested in the Watco Teak Oil + Stain.

It’s an interior and exterior finishing oil that protects wood from elements such as sunlight exposure and rain. It also shields furniture from dings, dents, and scratches. 

This oil stands out for many reasons. First, it’s the perfect finish for weather-resistant furniture. Therefore, it’s an excellent choice for patio chairs, garden benches, and your favorite Adindorack chairs.

Secondly, it dries surprisingly fast. Typically, the furniture is ready for use 8-10 hours after application. Another reason to choose Watco Teak Oil + Stain is that it’s very easy to apply.

Indeed, you can spray paint it if you’re in a hurry. However, we recommend hand-painting with a brush for a warm, rich glow of a hand-stained finish. A quart of the oil covers between 160 and 190 square feet. 

In case you’re wondering, Watco Teak Oil + Stain is applicable in marine vessels. You can use it on your boats without any downsides. It’s also applicable in decking projects.

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4. Best Oil for Wood Table – Tried & Tru Original Wood Finish

Many woodworkers love products from Tried and Tru. It’s one of a few companies that use all-natural, renewable ingredients in its products. 

For instance, they don’t use metallic solvents, thus zero VOCs. Instead, they use polymerized linseed seeds that protect furniture without putting your health in danger.

Of course, their 18th-century tried-and-tested methods also appeal to many woodworkers. The Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish, their best-selling product, is especially very popular.

Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish combines polymerized linseed oil and beeswax. Therefore, it protects wood surfaces from moisture and water. Additionally, the hard surface protects furniture from dents and scratches. 

It’s very easy to apply, though, and very economical too. A small amount of the finishing goes a long way (1,000 square feet per gallon) thanks to the absence of added solvents.

However, the company recommends applying the finish with a rag rather than a brush. Doing so limits quantities during application. 

Remember that you can use Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish as the primary finish or a top over Tried & Tru Danish Oil and Tried & Tru Varnish. It comes in a choice of three sizes, pint, quart, and gallon.

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5. Best Natural Oil for Wood Furniture – Osmo Clear Mate Top Oil

Osmo’s Top Oil line of products is a popular choice for woodworkers looking for food-safe, easy-to-apply natural finishing oils. It offers durable, easy-to-apply finishing oils for table tops, butcher blocks, and kitchen worktops.

The line comprises seven products; Clear Matt, Clear Satin, Natural Matt, Acacia Matt, White Satin, Terra Satin, and Graphite Satin. However, we believe the Clear Matt is the best among the seven. 

Osmo Clear Matte Top Oil glides effortlessly on wooden surfaces, emphasizing the wood’s natural beauty with a glowing matte finish.

Moreover, it leaves a super-durable finish resistant to stains, scratches, and scuffs. Above all, it’s a food-safe finish that doesn’t peel, flake, crack, or blister. 

The manufacturer specifically recommends TopOil clear Matte for wooden kitchen worktops and tables. Make sure to clean and dry the surface before application.

Also, don’t thin the oil. Instead, shake and use it as-is, allowing 8-10 hours between coats for drying. The surface is fully cured after 2-3 weeks. 

A word of caution, though; multi-purpose cleaners, such as detergents, are highly detrimental to the finished surface.

The same applies to other household cleaning products, such as bleach and baking soda. So, only clean the surfaces with pure water.

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6. Best Oil for Mid-Century Oil – Star Brite Premium Teak Oil

The Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil is a perfect choice if you’re working on high-end furniture or mid-century items. It is the finest sealer/preserver/finish for marine teak and other fine woods. 

The finish comprises ultra-refined, chemically modified premium natural oils combined to form a high molecular weight polymer finish that easily withstands exposure to harsh weather and saltwater.

It is also blended with high-tech additives to protect your furniture from the sun’s damaging UV rays. The result is maximum protection for the surfaces of fine woods and furniture.

Using the oil is a straightforward process. Begin by treating the wood with a premium cleaner and brightening it up with a brightener.

Then apply the teak oil onto the surface using a clean cloth or sponge, working in the grain direction for maximum grain penetration. Always wait five minutes before wiping off the excess oil. 

Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil is easy to use and fast drying. It also offers extra-long protection, typically 4-6 times longer than standard teak oils.

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7. Best Tung Oil – Watco Tung Oil Finish

Watco Tung Oil Finish is a restorative oil finish that enhances wood’s natural color and warmth in a few steps. First, it penetrates stained and unfinished wood deeply to protect the wood from moisture and other elements.

Moreover, it leaves a look of a hand-rubbed finish. The fast-drying, ready-to-use formula doesnt darken over time. Instead, it retains the natural color of the wood. But more importantly, you can reapply it many times without darkening the wood.

Reapplication brings back the surface’s natural luster and refreshes the character of wood furniture, trim, and molding. It’s very easy to apply. Begin by stripping the surface of existing finishes with sandpaper or a stripper.

Then sand the surface in the direction of the grain to prepare it for oiling. Always begin with 120-grit sandpaper and progress to the softer options slowly.

Finally, wipe the surface with a rag or remove the dust with a dry vacuum. Use mineral spirits to remove stubborn grease and oils. 

Once ready, shake the container thoroughly, and begin the application. Then allow 15 minutes for surface penetration before wiping the excess oil with a clean cloth.

Watco Tung Oil Finish takes 34 hours to dry, though you need at least two coats.

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8. Best Oil for Wood Veneer – Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain

Minwax Wood Finish is a deep-penetrating, oil-based wood stain that provides a rich, beautiful color while enhancing the wood’s natural grain in one coat. This makes it the perfect oil for staining interior furniture, cabinets, and doors. 

It’s a quick-drying oil developed based on a special formula that allows it to penetrate wood deeply in under five minutes. Moreover, the oil is usually dried within two hours.

This is one of the shortest drying times for wood oils. However, it’s best to wait 4-6 hours before using the oiled surface. Above all, Minwax is easy to apply. Begin by prepping the wood.

Sand it to a smooth, uniform surface, remove the dust, and apply Minwax pre-stain to prevent streaks and blotchiness while promoting oil acceptance.

After that, apply MinWax Wood Finish using a clean cloth, wood stain brush, or foam applicator. Always apply in the direction of the wood grain for the best-looking outcome. 

There’s no need to shake the oil as it’s ready to use. Also, apply very thin coats and don’t overbrush. A quart of the oil covers 150 square feet.

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9. Best Oil for Dry Wooden Furniture – WEIMAN Lemon Oil

Weiman was founded in 1941 and has been a leading wood care expert, providing high-quality wood care products at affordable prices.

The Weiman Lemon Oil wood furniture polish is a testament to their commitment to quality. It contains the purest of oils that rejuvenate dry furniture, imparting a lustrous shine that lasts many years. 

It works by soaking deeply into each pore in wooden items, giving wood surfaces a deep, rich luster while protecting and enhancing the wood grains.

Therefore, it’s perfect for cleaning faded or dry surfaces. The oil works best on oaks, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, and pine, though you can use it on other surfaces, including engineered wood. 

Weiman Lemon Oil also contains UVX-15, a sunscreen that protects wood from watermarks, stains, aging, and other symptoms of sun damage. UVX-15 further protects wood from drying out, fading, or discoloring. 

It’s easy to apply the oil. First, apply it to a clean cloth and rub gently in a circular motion until the oil has penetrated the surface. Then dry the oiled surface with a clean cloth. It takes as little as five minutes to dry.

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10. Best Oil for Decking Floors – RONSEAL Decking oil

The Ronseal decking oil is an all-in-one, solvent-based oil ideal for bare wood, preserved lumber, and pressure-treated decking boards. It offers maximum protection for softwood and hardwood decking and is resistant to water. 

However, what stands out most about Ronseal Decking Oil is its durability. The product lasts twice as long as other decking oils, meaning you don’t need frequent and often-expensive reapplications.

Yet, it protects your decking from weather and foot traffic just as the top decking oils do while nourishing and conditioning the wood surface. 

It’s very easy to apply Ronseal Decking Oil. First, clean the deck, then decide whether you should apply a decking restorer before applying the decking oil.

Alternatively, use a decking stripper to remove to get the deck back to bare wood. Then brush off the surface, shake the oil for a uniform mix, and begin oiling.

You only need two oil coats applied four hours apart. A liter of the oil covers 8.0 square meters. The Ronseal decking oil finish is anti-slip. So, you don’t have to worry about slip and fall accidents. It’s also insect-repellent. 

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11. Best Oil for Treating Wood – Cabot Deck and Siding Stain

If you’re shopping for the best wood treatment oil, you can’t do much better than Cabot Deck and Siding Stain. The wood-toned stain is specially formulated with a unique blend of resin and oil to provide superior protection for bare wood.

It’s water-repellent to keep moisture out and guard against warping and checking. Additionally, it’s mildew resistant. You may notice that it initially darkens wood when first applied.

However, don’t worry. The finish slowly weathers within a few days of the application, leaving behind a natural wood hue. The application process is straightforward.

Prep the surface by sanding and scrubbing it with a stiff-bristled brush to bare the wood. You can also use an appropriate detergent, such as Cabot Problem-Solver Wood Cleaner.

Then begin the application. For the best results, use a high-quality applicator or stain. Start at the edge and follow through to the end of the board. You only need one coat.

Reapply every 1-2 years, depending on sun exposure. The average coverage is 400-600 square feet per gallon for smooth surfaces. 

Cabot Wood-Toned Deck & Siding Stain works on new or reconditioned wood-only surfaces, raw or pressure-treated. These include decks, siding, shingles, roofs, shakes, trim, and treating log homes. 

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12. Best Food Grade Wood Oil – Thirteen Chefs’ Food-Grade Mineral Oil

You’re certainly aware of the dangers of using toxic oils and finishes on tables and other surfaces where you eat or use food. It can seriously hurt your health.

Instead, you should carefully read product labels for food-safe finishes that don’t affect human health even if inhaled or swallowed. One such finish is the Food-Grade Mineral Oil by Thirteen Chefs. 

The oil is made from 100% pure, food-grade mineral oil (also known as white oil), bottled in FDA-compliant facilities in the US, and continually lab-tested to ensure optimal performance.

Therefore, it rejuvenates furniture and revitalizes countertops, butcher blocks, and unvarnished tabletops without compromising human health. 

Furthermore, the mineral oil hydrates and prevents wood from warping. It also restores dry surfaces and rehydrates kitchen tools that have naturally weathered over time. Above all, it prevents fading and fraying of wood fibers. 

It’s very easy to use too. Start by washing the surface to remove debris. Then allow the surface to dry and apply enough mineral oil to coat the surface and moisturize. Allow the surface to absorb the oil for 24 hours for the best results.

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13. Best Oil for Antique Wood Furniture – OSMO Polyx Hard Wax Oil

Osmo Polyx Oil is mostly used on indoor wooden floors, cabinets, and wood trim. However, it’s also one of the best finishes for antique wood furniture.

First, it’s non-yellowing because the ingredients used in the oil, including sunflower oil, Thistle oil, and Carnauba wax, are all non-yellowing. 

Secondly, Osmo Polyx Oil is long-lasting, durable, and resistant to spills. The oil penetrates deep into the wood pores, protecting the furniture from inside.

Moreover, the wax stays on the surface, protecting it from water and spills. Osmo Polyx Oil contains very few Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at 50g per liter, which is way lower than competing products that typically hold 150g/liter. 

Osmo Polyx is easy to apply and even easier to maintain. You only need two thin coats to protect your wood surfaces fully. It takes eight hours for the first coat to dry.

After that, apply the second coat and wait at least a day before using the surface. The surfaces don’t stain or hold watermarks. However, it’s very easy to clear any visible marks. 

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14. Best Oil for Walnut Wood – Restore-A-Finish Walnut Oil

Wood oil is one of the best finishes for caring for and maintaining outdoor wooden furniture. Unfortunately, selecting the right wood oil for premium wooden furniture, including walnut, mahogany, and oak items, is never easy.

Fortunately, you can now purchase Restore-A-Finish Mahogany Oil and solve all your high-end furniture restoration worries. 

Restore-A-Finish penetrates faded lacquer, shellac, and varnish finishes to return the original wood color and luster. It permanently restores wood finishes without removing the existing finish.

So, it maintains the original patina of an antique finish, retaining the value and character of the wooden piece. 

Besides restoration, Restore-A-Finish eliminates white heat rings and water marks and protects the wood from sun damage, oxidation, smoke discoloration, and most other blemishes.

You have a choice of nine colors. However, we recommend the Restore-A-Finish Walnut Oil designed for medium-brown wood tones for walnut furniture. You can also use dark walnut if you wish. 

Apply with a mall pad or cloth, covering a small area at a time, and immediately wipe the oiled area dry. Always rub gently in the direction of the grain

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15. Best Oil for Old Wood Furniture – Rust-Oleum Natural Satin Finishing Wax

The Watco Rustoleum Natural Satin Finishing Wax is a reliable, smooth, easy-to-apply liquid wax for refinishing and caring for old furniture. It gives old furniture a refreshing luster and leaves them softer without hours of hand rubbing.

The first thing that stands out about the thick liquid wax formula is its water resistance. Therefore, it’s the perfect choice for outdoor furniture. Secondly, it’s very durable.

This gives it an edge over other wood oils that wear off within months. The natural satin finishing wax stays in place for years.

It’s a completely transparent solution that you can use with lighter wood stains or white/light colors to hide scratches. You’re guaranteed a beautiful, shiny, and soft sheen whichever way you apply it. 

Applying the finishing wax is easy. Use a cloth or soft brush to rub it onto the wood surface, then buff to create a soft whine.

You’ll instantly notice a reduction in the appearance of scratches and imperfections in the wood. We recommend regular applications for the best results.

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Best Oil for Wood Furniture Comparison Table

What is Wood Oil?

Buying Guide 

Wood oil is a protective and decorative wood finish that you can directly apply to bare wood or treated timber. Wood oils provide a deep, penetrating, long-term, cost-effective wood finishing that preserves the wood from within.

The main difference between wood oil and wood varnishes is that wood oils are predominantly natural products that are easy to apply and incredibly durable. Most wood oils are also safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

Benefits of Wood Oils

Wood oil finishes are advantageous for many reasons. The following five reasons you should consider oil over other wood finishes;

Advantages

Disadvantages

Types of Oil Finishes for Wood

There are at least seven different types of wood oils that you can use. Here’s what you need to know about each;

1. Danish oil

What is danish oil made of? Danish oil is a thin oil and varnish mixture that takes about 15 minutes to soak into the wood. Therefore, you should only apply one layer per day. These layers eventually form a thick, durable, varnish-like finish.

What is danish oil used for? Danish oil mainly protects the wood against chemical damage, heat exposure, superficial scratches, and stain. Here are other benefits of danish oil.

2. Tung oil

What is tung oil made of? Tung oil, also known as China wood oil, is a plastic-like clear coating oil obtained by pressing the seed of the nut of the tung tree. The Tung tree is native to China and Asian countries.

What is tung oil used for? Tung oil is used as a finish to help protect wood surfaces. In addition, woodworkers often use it to create a hand-rubbed finish. Read here to know more about how to darken wood with tung oil?

3. Olive oil

What is olive oil made of? Olive oil is extracted from the fleshy part of the ripened fruit of the olive tree, though some are extracted from unripened olive fruits. It’s yellow to golden, sometimes with a green tinge.

What is olive oil used for? People use olive in cooking, cosmetics, soaps, and traditional lamps. Additionally, woodworkers use it to moisturize wood furniture.

4. Hard wax oil

What is hard wax oil made of? Hard wax or hard-wax oil combines one or more vegetable oils and one or more wax types. The compound may also contain additional chemicals, including VOCs and solvents.

What is hard wax oil used for? Hard wax oil beautifies and protects wood surfaces, such as wooden floors, wooden furniture, cabinetry, and wooden countertops.

5. Linseed oil 

What is linseed oil made of? Linseed oil is obtained from the seed of the linseed flax plant. The plants vary. One produces an abundance of seeds, while another variety produces an abundance of fiber. The seeds can be used raw or boiled.

What is linseed oil used for? Linseed oil is used in wood oil finish to make them more fluid, glossy, and transparent. Raw linseed oil and boiled linseed oil are also wood preservatives found in wood oils, varnishes, and paints.

6. Mineral oil

What is mineral oil made of? Mineral oils are odorless, clear liquids derived from petroleum products. The liquid is a highly purified, highly refined petroleum product and an inert, stable compound by the time of its use.

What is a mineral oil used for? Mineral oils are mainly found in carrier oils, cosmetic products, and lubricant laxatives.

However, it’s also common in wood oils. It helps protect wood grain against humidity changes, making the wood less susceptible to warping and cracking.

7. Teak oil

What is teak oil made of? Teak oil, strange as it may seem, has nothing to do with the teak tree or teak wood. Instead, it’s made from a blend of ingredients, similar to Danish oil.

Ingredients used to make teak oil include linseed oil, pure tung oil, mineral spirits, and varnish.

What is teak oil used for? The primary use of teak oil is to slow down the natural greying process of teak wood. However, it’s also common in other exterior wood applications, such as outdoor wooden furniture and oiling boats.

How to Apply Finishing Oil for Wood

The exact steps for oiling wood varies slightly depending on the type of oil. However, the overall process is the same.

Tools and Materials 

• 220-grit sandpaper
• 600-800-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper
• Wood oil
• 4/5 dry cotton cloths

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sand the wood to a smooth finish with extra fine 22- grit sandpaper.
2. Wipe the surface clean using a clean cloth. Alternatively, vacuum-clean the surface, then wipe with a cloth.
3. Apply a small amount of the oil to a section of the wood.
4. Rub the oil into the wood with a new clean, dry cloth. Always rub in the direction of the grain
5. Repeat step #4 until you cover the entire wood surface.
6. Allow the surface to dry for half an hour. Then wipe off the excess oil from the surface using a cloth.
7. Leave the surface to dry for 24 hours.
8. It’s time to apply the second coat. This time you should use an extra-fine 600-800-grit sandpaper. So, begin by pouring a liberal amount of oil onto the sandpaper.
9. Rub the oil into the wood surface as if you’re sanding it, working from one edge of the surface to another until you cover the entire furniture.
10. Wipe off the excess oil (and dirt) using a clean cloth.
11. Wait 24 hours for the surface to dry. That’s all!

Safety and Maintenance Tips When Using Furniture Oil Finish

It’s important to stay safe when applying wood oil and thereafter take the best care of the oiled surfaces for maximum longevity. So, the following are a few safety and maintenance tips to observe;

Safety Tips

• Always wear protective clothing and synthetic rubber gloves when applying wood oil.
• Do not breathe in the mist or spray. Instead, wear protective breathing equipment.
• Keep the oils and oiled surfaces out of the reach of children until completely dried.
• Wash splashes of the oils on your skin immediately using plenty of water.
• When you’re done, tightly seal the original container and dispose or store it safely.

Oiled Surface Maintenance Tips

• Select wood oils based on the type of wood.
• Remember that wood absorbs oil best when sanded smooth.
• Allow the oiled surface to dry completely before using it.
• Use a lint-free soft cloth without buttons or zippers to duct the furniture regularly.
• Clean the furniture periodically with a solution of one cup boiled linseed oil, one cup turpentine, and 1/3-cup white vinegar.
• Refinish the surface every six months to two years as the wood oil manufacturer recommends.

FAQs 

Danish oil vs mineral oil; What’s the difference? 

The term Danish oil can apply to many substances. Technically, it refers to any oil-based wood finish. Danish oil is food safe hence commonly used in food-grade wood oiling applications, such as kitchen countertops and wooden utensils. On the other hand, mineral oil exclusively refers to colorless, odorless oils derived from a mineral source, typically petroleum distillate. It protects wooden surfaces from humidity, warping, and cracking.

Tung oil vs walnut oil; What’s the difference?

Tung oil and walnut oil are as similar as they’re different. Although they share many properties and applications, tung oil comes from pressing the nut of the tung tree, whereas walnut oil is derived from pressing whole walnuts. Tung oil is mainly used to help protect wooden items, while walnut oil provides a hard, durable finish that doesn’t easily degrade.

Is olive oil good for wood?

Yes, olive oil is very good for wood. Some people think that it might damage wood furniture. However, the opposite is true. Olive oil nourishes wooden surfaces and brings out the wood’s natural shine. It’s also excellent for treating wood and offers protection from dents and scratches. The only downside is that it doesn’t offer significant damage resistance.

Is Danish oil waterproof?

Yes, Danish oil is a highly versatile oil that is water-resistant. It is also food-safe. The two qualities make it a popular choice for finishing kitchen countertops and wooden chopping boards. Many people also use it on outdoor furniture to protect the items from rot and decay. In addition, it dries to a hard, satin finish that’s easy to maintain.

Can you use teak oil on any wood?

Yes, you can use teak oil on most softwoods and hardwoods. However, it’s ideal for hardwoods, especially teak. Why? Because softwoods are more porous than hardwoods, therefore can absorb significant amounts of the naturally-thin teak oil, increasing your expenses. On the other hand, hardwoods are denser, with fewer open pores, thus soaking up very little wood oil.

What are the best drying oils for wood?

The best wood drying oils are Danish oil, teak oil, and tung oil. Linseed oil is another very good choice. However, the first three options are superior. If you’re looking for fast-drying oils, Old English Lemon Oil is one of the best. Lemon oil generally dries within five minutes of applying the oil. You can use a brush to apply the oil. However, rags work best.

What is the best hardening oil for wood?

Linseed and tung oil are two of the best hardening oils for wood. Linseed oil hardens by polymerization. It soaks into the wood grain, binds to the wood fibers, and then hardens, leaving behind an impact-resistant surface. Tung oil also hardens after air exposure, leaving behind a tough, transparent, water-resistant surface.

Summary

Oiling with wood oil is one of the best ways to protect and wood finish for furniture. Oils preserve the natural properties of the wood while enhancing the wood’s aesthetics.

Additionally, the best oils penetrate deeply into the wood, protecting your furniture from rotting, decay, moisture, and spills. Fortunately, now you know fifteen of the best oils for wood furniture.