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. 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:

1. Prepare the Surface: Clean the wood thoroughly, removing any dirt, dust, or existing finishes. Sand the wood if needed to ensure a smooth surface.
2. Apply the Oil: Use a beige scrubby pad sponge to apply the wood oil evenly along the grain of the wood.
3. Wait for Absorption: Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for the recommended 5 minutes.
4. Remove Excess Oil: Wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
5. Allow for Drying: Let the wood oil dry completely (Oil Plus 2C takes up to 12-24 hours).

How to Apply our Exterior Wood Oil

Lastly, we will look at how to apply DuroGrit - trust us, it’s easy!

On new wood:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Apply DuroGrit evenly with a soft synthetic brush made for water-based products. Work in small sections and always cover the full length of the board.
4. Let dry for about 3 hours. Complete curing takes place after 3 days (at 20°C / 68°F).

On wood that needs renovating:

1. Remove all residues of old applications by sanding the surface scratch-free. End with a screen 80 grit, do not sand smoother.
2. Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and let it dry thoroughly.
3. Apply DuroGrit in one even coat, avoiding overlaps and brush marks.
4. Let dry for about 3 hours. Full curing takes place after 3 days.

Tip: Maintain a wet edge to avoid overlaps. Errors created during application can be touched up on the wet surface up to 15 minutes after application.

How Frequently Should I Use Wood Oil?

The frequency of wood oil application varies depending on the specific use and environmental conditions.

• For Exterior Wood Furniture: Reapply wood oil every 1 to 2 years, or as soon as you notice the wood losing its lustre.
• For Outdoor Wood Decking: 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 typically need less frequent maintenance. Reapply every 2 to 5 years or as needed.

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.

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'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 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 refresh the furniture 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.