Best Oil For Wood Furniture (Top Picks!)

The goal of every woodworker should be to achieve a stunning finish.

The appropriate finish, applied to wood surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, flooring, or other items, improves the aesthetics of the wood, preserves the wood, and, most importantly, extends the wood’s lifespan.

As a result of this, oiling wood has developed into a widespread practice. 

The inherent qualities of the wood are restored and improved by using wood oil, which nourishes the wood from the inside out. It also serves to protect things made of wood and has a positive impact, financially speaking, over the long run.

 Therefore, today’s topic of discussion will be some of the best oils for wood furniture. 

So, what are some of the best oils to use while finishing wood?

VIDEO: Best Oil For Wood Furniture

What exactly is Wood Oil?

Wood oil is a protective and ornamental wood treatment that can be applied directly to untreated or treated timber. 

You can even use it on bare wood. Wood oils give a finish to wood that is durable, long-lasting, deeply penetrating, and cost-effective. This finishing also preserves the wood from the inside out.

The primary distinction between wood oil finishes and wood varnish is that wood oils are mostly made of natural ingredients and are relatively simple to apply. 

Additionally, they have a very long lifespan. The vast majority of wood oils are harmless to people, animals, and the environment. 

Boiled linseed oil, orange oil, vegetable oil, walnut oil are all examples of many wood oils.

The Advantages of Treating Wood with Oil

Wood furniture polish treatments made of wood oil or furniture oil are beneficial for a variety of reasons. 

Here are five compelling arguments in favor of using oil as a wood polish rather than one of the alternatives:

 Advantages

• It is simple to put into effect.
• The shine produced by oil is superior.
• Improves the inherent appeal of the wood
• Protects wood from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. It prevents wood from becoming overly dry.
• Protection against insect and fungal attacks, as well as algae.

Disadvantages

• Some oils can alter the color of the wood.
• Shellac coatings are more durable than oil finishes.
• When applied to a porous wood, oil is difficult to spread.

Critiques of the Finest Wood Oil for Furniture

Pure and unrefined linseed oil from Sunnyside.

Linseed oil has been used for decades as a finishing product for wood. It is usual practice to extract it from flax seed and use it as a preservative for lumber and an ingredient in paints, varnishes, and stains.

 A significant number of traditional cultures utilize linseed oil all over the world to shield wood from deterioration, injury, and discoloration.

As a result, you can anticipate enchantment from the raw linseed oil sold by Sunnyside Corporation. To begin, it is a natural wood protector that guards furniture against wear and damage caused by moisture, the elements, and general use.

As a result, you can use it on furniture inside and outside the house. The second benefit is that Sunnyside raw linseed oil revitalizes old, worn-down wood. It does this by bringing out the natural wood grain and reviving the wood’s natural sheen. This gives the wood a new lease on life.

First and foremost, Sunnyside raw linseed oil increases the time that wooden furniture may be used. In addition, the durability of the wood can be improved, and the longevity of the furniture can be increased by applying it to unfinished wood or incorporating it into oil-based paints and stains.

The oil is risk-free for use in butcher blocks and vegetable gardens, even though it has a faint odor. The odor itself is also risk-free. However, be aware that it dries exceptionally slowly; usually, it takes two to four days for the oil coat to dry entirely.

 Only raw wood can be finished with Sunnyside raw linseed oil, sold in quarts, gallons, and bulk packs, and is available for purchase.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Deeply into the wood to provide optimal protection
• Superior ability to repel water and withstand the elements
• It brings the wood back to life after it has been damaged by weather and time
• It is possible to combine it with oil-based paints as well as stains.

What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• It smells slightly of petroleum distillate, which is not overpowering.
• However, compared to boiling linseed oil, it dries out far more slowly.

Danish Oil Produced by Watco

Products manufactured by Watco are indispensable in the world of woodworking. The company is responsible for producing some of the best finishing oils and stains. 

Watco Danish Oil is an interior finishing wood oil that possesses the protective qualities of a varnish. It is considered to be one of their most excellent products.

 Watco confirms that the Danish oil combines oil and varnish in their product description. However, there are several reasons why Watco Danish Oil stands apart.

To begin, it works wonderfully on a wide range of wood surfaces, even those that have been sanded, stripped, or left naked. However, it is not advised for use on flooring.

The second benefit of using this wood preservative oil is that it dries rather quickly despite penetrating the wood to a great depth. After six hours, the area that was oiled ought to be dry.

Another reason we appreciate Watco Danish Oil is that it doesn’t break the bank. One quart (947ml) covers an impressive 170 square feet. Better; the oil is straightforward to apply. As a result, the vast majority of jobs are sure to be completed in under an hour by you.

The protective qualities of Watco Danish Oil include resistance to stains, abrasion, chipping, and peeling.

Additionally, this rubbing oil for wood produces a warm and lustrous glow that improves the natural appearance as well as the texture of the wood. You can use it on unfinished wood or surfaces that have been sanded.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Ideal for a wide range of interior wood surfaces. Protects surfaces against stains, abrasion, and chipping. Produces the rich, warm glow of a hand-rubbed finish Ideal for various indoor wood surfaces.
• Simple in its use and very cost-effective

What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• It requires a new application every year.
• The wood is darkened by reapplication once a year.

Teak oil and stain by Watco.

The Watco brand offers a variety of teak oil finishes for teak furniture, each of which is constructed specifically for a unique use case. The Watco Teak Oil + Stain is the product that has particularly piqued our curiosity.

 This finishing oil from teak wood can be used indoors and outdoors, shielding the wood from damaging elements such as direct sunshine and precipitation. It also prevents scratches, dents, and dings from appearing on furniture.

There are a lot of reasons why this oil stands out. First, it has excellent resistance to the elements, making it an ideal finish for outdoor furniture. As a result, it makes a fantastic material for patio chairs, garden benches, and even the Adindorack chairs you adore the most.

Second, it dries in a shockingly short amount of time. After the treatment, the outdoor wood furniture is often ready to be used eight to ten hours later. The simplicity with which it can be applied is another advantage of going with Watco Teak Oil + Stain.

 If you’re in a hurry, you can paint it using spray paint. However, if you want a warm and deep glow from a hand-stained finish, we propose hand-painting using a brush. Between 160 and 190 square feet can be covered with one quart of oil.

In case you were wondering, marine boats are suitable for applying Watco Teak Oil + Stain. There are no drawbacks associated with putting it to use on your boats. It is also suitable for projects involving decking.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Deeply penetrating and protecting the wood from the inside out.
• It is simple to use and dries in a short amount of time (within eight hours)
• Protects against water, moisture, and ultraviolet rays
• Applications suitable for the interior, exterior, and marine environments

What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• This wood finishes is not safe for consumption.
• It is flammable.

Original Wood Finish from Tried and True.

A significant number of woodworkers highly regard products made by Tried and Tru. It is one of the few companies that use only natural and renewable ingredients in its items.

 For example, they don’t use any metallic solvents, therefore there are no volatile organic compounds produced. Instead, they employ polymerized linseed seeds as an alternative, which serve the same purpose of protecting furniture without putting anyone’s health at risk.

Of course, the fact that these techniques date back to the 18th century means that many woodworkers find them appealing. As a result, the product that sells the best, the Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish, has many satisfied customers.

Tested and Proven Beeswax and polymerized linseed oil are both components of the Original Wood Finish. As a result, it prevents wood surfaces from becoming damaged by water and dampness. In addition to this benefit, the firm surface safeguards the furniture from dings and scratches.

 However, this traditional wood oils is simple to utilize, and it is also incredibly cost-effective. Because there are no added solvents, only a tiny amount of the finishing is required to cover a large area (1,000 square feet per gallon).

However, the manufacturer advises using a rag rather than a brush for placing the finish on the product. Doing so limits quantities during application.

Remember that you can use Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish as the primary finish or as a top coat over Tried & Tru Danish Oil and Tried & Tru Varnish. Both of these products can be used in conjunction with one another. You can purchase it in one of three different sizes: a pint, a quart, or a gallon.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Skin-friendly and safe for food contact.
• Free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents, and dyes
• Superior moisture resistance
• 100% renewable ingredients

What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• It smells like oil used for cooking.

Clear Mate Top Oil from Osmo.

Woodworkers looking for natural finishing oils that are safe for consumption and simple to apply frequently go with products from the Osmo Top Oil line. Table tops, butcher blocks, and kitchen worktops can all benefit from their long-lasting finishing oils, which are also simple to apply.

 Clear Matt, Clear Satin, Natural Matt, Acacia Matt, White Satin, Terra Satin, and Graphite Satin are the seven products that make up this line. Despite this, the Clear Matt is the most impressive of the seven.

This natural oil finish for wood makes it easy to slide over hardwood surfaces while highlighting the wood’s natural beauty with a matte sheen, and it is available in various colors.

Additionally, the finish left behind by this clear oil for finished wood is exceptionally long-lasting and resistant to stains, scratches, and scuffs. First and foremost, it has a safe finish for consumption and does not peel, flake, crack, or blister.

The company suggests using TopOil transparent Matte instead of any other finish for wooden kitchen worktops and tables. Before application, make sure the surface has been thoroughly cleaned and dried.

In addition, the natural wood oil finish should not be diluted in any way. Instead, shake it well and utilize it in its current state, giving 8–10 hours of drying time between coats. After around two to three weeks, the surface will be completely cured.

A word of caution, however, is in order: surface finishes are highly vulnerable to damage when treated with all-purpose cleaners such as detergents.

The same principle applies to other materials used for cleaning around the house, such as baking soda and bleach. Therefore, you should only use distilled water to clean the surfaces.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Food-safe and kids friendly
• There are no peeling, flaking, cracking, or blistering effects.
• Maintains its effectiveness even in highly humid environments
• with a high covering rate on average (24 square meters per liter).

 What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• Traceable scents and VOC levels can remain for two to three weeks after completing the curing process.

Star Brite Premium Teak Oil

When working on high-end furniture or things from the mid-20th century, the Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil finish is the product that you should reach for. It is the best sealer, preserver, and finish you can get for marine teak and other excellent woods.

The finish is made up of ultra-refined, chemically modified premium natural oils. These oils are blended to form a high molecular weight polymer finish, which can easily survive the effects of exposure to harsh weather and saltwater.

This oil finishing also contains high-tech ingredients that shield your furniture from the potentially damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. As a result, exquisite wood and furniture surfaces are afforded the highest level of protection.

The procedure of protecting wood with oil is really basic. To begin, give the wood some TLC by cleaning it well with a high-quality cleanser and then shining it up with a brightener.

Then, using a clean cloth or sponge, apply the teak oil to the surface, working in the direction of the grain to ensure that the oil penetrates the wood as deeply as possible. Always wait five minutes before removing any extra oil with a paper towel.

The Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil is user-friendly and dries quickly after application. Additionally, it provides protection that lasts much longer than regular teak oils, often anywhere from four to six times as long.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Longer than average protection for the wood
• It contains UV inhibitors, making it ideal for outdoor furniture that has to survive a long time.
• Enhances the inherent splendor of high-quality woods
• The best oil to use on furniture from the mid-century era
• Simple to use and dries in a short amount of time

 What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• Requires regular top-ups
• It is both dangerous and combustible.

Finishing with Watco Tung Oil

It only takes a few simple steps to bring out the natural color and warmth of wood when you use the Watco Tung Oil Finish, which is a restorative oil finish. First, it deeply penetratingly protects stained and unpainted wood from the damaging effects of moisture and other elements.

In addition, the appearance of a hand-rubbed finish is left behind. The mixture is ready to use, dries quickly, and does not become darker with time. Instead, the natural hue of the wood is preserved in this way. But the essential thing is that you may apply it multiple times without the wood becoming darker.

Reapplication restores the surface’s natural sheen and revitalizes the character of wood furniture, trim, and molding. Reapplication is recommended every few years. It is simple to put into practice. Sandpaper or a chemical stripper can be used to remove any previous finishes from the surface.

After that, begin preparing the surface for oiling by sanding it in the same direction as the wood grain. Always start with sandpaper with a grit of 120, and gradually work your way up to the finer alternatives.

At last, dust should be removed from the surface using a dry vacuum or a rag to wipe it off. Mineral spirits are effective at removing tenacious grease and oils from surfaces.

As soon as you are ready, give the bottle a good shake before beginning the application. Then, after allowing the oil to penetrate the surface for fifteen minutes, wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.

The drying time for Watco Tung Oil Finish is 34 hours. However, you need at least two coats for proper coverage.

What We Enjoyed Most About It This Wood-Preserving Oil is Used for

• Ideal for surfaces that have been stained or left unpainted
• Restores and accentuates the natural color of the wood
• Penetrates the wood to a great depth for optimal protection.
• It does not make the furnishings darker.

 What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• It is not tung oil in its purest form.
• Ventilation is required for the oil that contains solvents.

Guardsman Revitalizing Lemon Oil

The invigorating effects of lemon oil have earned it a well-deserved reputation. This finish best serves dry woods or warping surfaces that need a rejuvenation.

Therefore, the Guardsman Revitalize Lemon Oil is the product we advise using on oiled surfaces that have dried out and cracked unfinished furniture. It performed admirably on solid wood and manufactured wood goods, including wood veneer, regardless of the substrate they are applied to.

Guardsman RevitalizeLemon Oil gently removes built-up surface filth and residue, making it possible for the wooden surface to breathe more easily.

In addition to this, it works by penetrating the wood to replace any oils that have been lost, bringing back the sheen and the wood’s natural beauty. In addition to this, it protects against sunburn, fading, and discoloration by including UV blockers.

Utilizing the oil is a simple process. To get started, use a cloth that won’t leave lint on the surface. For this specific objective, Guardsman supplies a one-of-a-kind Guardsman Dusting Cloth.

After cleaning, distribute a tiny amount of the Guardsman Revitalizing Lemon oil using a clean, soft cotton cloth. This should be done after the cleaning step. When dealing with wood, it is best to do it in the direction of the grain.

Bottles of 16 ounces are used to hold the oil. As a result, you could require multiple orders to complete a sizable job. On the other hand, it is simple to apply and dries in a short amount of time.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Restores the natural oils that have been stripped from the wood.
• Restores the inherent splendor of the wood surface by replenishing its supply.
• It can be used for various purposes (works on leather, wood, metal, etc.)
• It shields wooden surfaces from the potentially damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• It exudes an agreeable odor.

 What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• It is exclusively sold in little bottles of 16 ounces each.
• Lemon oil requires regular reapplication.

Summary

The natural qualities of the wood are maintained, while at the same time,  mineral oil or olive oil improves the way the wood looks.

In addition, the best oils can penetrate deeply into the wood, shielding your furniture from rot, decay, dampness, and spills. You are now armed with the knowledge of fifteen of the finest oils for use on wood furniture.

FAQ on Best Oil For Wood Furniture