A Guide to Wood Oil: All the Useful Info

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Wood oil is becoming increasingly popular as a natural way to protect, preserve and beautify wooden surfaces. 

 

To keep wood looking beautiful and lasting, it is important to care for and protect it. This is where wood oil comes in. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the world of wood oil . Everything is covered: what is wood oil and how to use it, the best types for different applications, maintenance tips and frequently asked questions.

 

First of all, what is wood oil?

Before we get into the details, you need to get some basic knowledge. Wood oil is a specially formulated product that penetrates the wood surface and protects it from a variety of elements, including moisture and general wear and tear. Wood oil is primarily intended to enhance the natural beauty of wood and provide a protective barrier.

What is wood oil used for?

There are many benefits to using wood oil. Here are some of the main benefits of using wood oil in your wood maintenance routine:

  • Beautification: Wood oil enhances the natural wood grain and color and gives the wood a rich, glossy appearance. Such beautification is often noticeable on furniture, floors and outdoor structures, such as terraces and garden houses .
  • Moisture Protection: Wood is susceptible to moisture damage, which can lead to warping, rotting, and the growth of mold and mildew. Wood oil forms a hydrophobic barrier that repels water and prevents these problems.
  • UV protection: exposure to sunlight can cause the wood to fade and lose its appearance. Outdoor wood oil forms a barrier against harmful UV rays, preserving the wood’s color and reducing the risk of UV damage.
  • Lifespan: Regular application of wood oil can significantly extend the lifespan of wood products. They become more durable and wear-resistant.
  • Ease of maintenance: Wood oil simplifies the cleaning and maintenance of wooden surfaces. The oil repels dirt, making cleaning a breeze.

 

Which oil is best to use on wood?

The Rubio Monocoat range features some of the best, 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 fast, effective solution.

The best oil for wooden furniture and indoor surfaces

Oil Plus 2C offers groundbreaking oil technology thanks to its revolutionary bonding properties. This innovative product forms a molecular bond with the wood fibers of the surface. In this way, protection and vibrant colors are provided in just one layer. Overlaps and markings are a thing of the past, so your wood is efficient in use and lasts a long time.

This wood oil not only preserves the natural appearance and fibre structure of the wood, but is also easy to apply to many types of wood and dries quickly. After adding the B-component (accelerator), the surface is dry within 24 hours and fully cured after just 5 days. The surface can be effortlessly cleaned with soap and water just 5 days after application.

The Oil Plus 2C range offers a vibrant colour palette, with over 40 shades to choose from. This collection includes shades that emphasise the natural beauty of your wood as well as modern, trendy colours that brighten up your interior.

What is the best wood oil for outdoor use?

This is without a doubt DuroGrit, our outdoor oil with FibreGrit technology. DuroGrit is a revolutionary new way to finish and protect your outdoor wood. Our latest outdoor oil is suitable for all outdoor wood applications, such as patios, furniture, gates , fences, sheds and garden sheds. It is a durable, wood-based and water-soluble oil that colours and protects all outdoor wood in a single coat, just like our beloved Oil Plus 2C.

FibreGrit technology

With FibreGrit technology, added wood fibres give the oil its unique structure. This is the perfect combination of a saturating and breathable single-layer system. For more technical information and advice, please see our product page.

DuroGrit will revolutionize the exterior finishing industry, not only because of its revolutionary technology, but also because of its colour choice and ease of use.

Applying our wood oil for indoor use

Applying wood oil correctly is essential for optimal results. In this step-by-step guide, we will explain how to apply wood oil to your wooden surfaces:

1. Prepare the surface: Clean the wood thoroughly by removing any dirt, dust or existing treatments. Sand the wood if necessary to get a smooth surface.

2. Apply the oil: Apply the wood oil evenly along the wood grain using a beige Scrubby Pad.

3. Wait for absorption: Let the oil soak into the wood for 5 minutes.

4. Remove excess oil: Wipe away excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.

Let it dry: Allow the wood oil to dry completely (Oil Plus 2C is dry after 12 to 24 hours).

It’s that simple!

 

Applying our wood oil for outdoor use:

How to apply DuroGrit?  It’s super easy!

On new wood:

We recommend leaving newly placed wood outside to weather for 4 to 6 weeks (except oak).

If this does not work, sand the wood scratch-free with a grit of 80 to open the wood pores. Leave new wood that has already been placed or wood with natural wood extraction residues (oak, red cedar, sequoia) and especially hardwood (Ipe, teak, merbau, etc.) to weather outside for 4 to 6 weeks. This will release the water-soluble substances from the wood and allow the wood to better absorb DuroGrit.

Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and let it dry. First, dampen the wood surface with a garden hose with a fine mist of water. Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and a stiff nylon scrub brush (wear gloves and eye protection). Do not let the solution dry. Rinse all foam residue from the cleaning solution thoroughly with clean water. Let the surface dry completely.

Apply DuroGrit. Work only in frost-free and dry conditions and do not apply DuroGrit if rain is expected within 10 hours of application. Mix the product a few minutes before use. Apply the product evenly to the surface using a soft, synthetic brush for water-based products. Work in the direction of the wood, always over the entire length. For vertically installed planks this is from top to bottom and for horizontally installed wood from left to right (or vice versa). So never stop in the middle of a plank, but only at a natural separation (e.g. a seam, edge, staircase , etc.). Work in small sections of 1 or 2 planks wide. Always apply sufficient product and go over it again with the brush to avoid start and stop marks and brush stripes (do not apply too much pressure on the brush).

Allow the surface to dry for 3 hours.

After 3 days (at 20 °C) the surface is fully cured. Please note that low temperatures, lack of ventilation and high humidity will significantly slow down the drying and curing process.

On wood that needs to be renovated or on which older products have been applied that do not come from Rubio Monocoat:

Remove all residues from previous treatments.

Remove all residues of previous treatments by sanding the surface without scratches. Finally, sand with a grit of 80 and not smoother. The smoother you sand, the less the product can penetrate the wood and the less intense the color (and protection) will be. Is your wood too dirty to sand it right away? First clean it with water or Exterior Wood Cleaner (see step 2 for instructions). By removing a lot of dirt in advance, your sandpaper will not get clogged as soon as you start sanding. 

Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and let it dry. First, moisten the wood surface with a fine mist of water. Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and a stiff nylon scrub brush (wear gloves and eye protection). Do not let the solution dry. Rinse all foam residue from the cleaning solution thoroughly with clean water. Let the surface dry completely.

Apply DuroGrit. Only work in frost-free and dry conditions and do not apply DuroGrit if rain is expected within 10 hours of application. Mix the product a few minutes before use. Apply the product evenly to the surface using a soft, synthetic brush for water-based products. Work in the direction of the wood, always over the entire length. For vertically installed planks this is from top to bottom and for horizontally installed wood from left to right (or vice versa). Therefore, never stop in the middle of a plank, but only at a natural separation (e.g. a seam, edge, staircase, etc.). Work in small sections of 1 or 2 planks wide. Always apply sufficient product and go over it again with the brush to avoid start and stop marks and brush stripes (do not apply too much pressure on the brush).

Let dry for 3 hours.

After 3 days (at 20 °C) the surface is fully cured. Please note that low temperatures, lack of ventilation and high humidity will significantly slow down the drying and curing process. 

  • Tip: Keep the edge wet to avoid overlaps. Application errors (start marks, brush marks, overlaps, etc.) can be touched up on the wet surface within 15 minutes after application (depending on weather conditions). Apply a little extra DuroGrit to the spot. Apply some pressure to your brush so that the already applied product dissolves and mixes with the new product. Finally, spread the product nicely so that the brush marks disappear. There you go, now you know almost everything about DuroGrit.

How often should you use wood oil?

The frequency of applying wood oil varies depending on the specific use and environmental conditions. We will examine a number of different scenarios:

For wooden outdoor furniture:

Wooden outdoor furniture is exposed to harsh conditions. It is therefore advisable to reapply wood oil every 1 to 2 years, or as soon as you notice that the wood is less shiny or more absorbent.

For wooden outdoor decking:

Wooden decking generally require more frequent maintenance. Ideally, you should reapply terrace oil every 12 months. Terraces are often walked on and are constantly exposed to the elements.

For interior surfaces:

Indoor wood surfaces, such as floors and furniture, generally require less frequent maintenance. Reapply indoor wood oil every 2-5 years or as needed, depending on the level of wear. Luckily, our Universal Maintenance Oil 2 Mix can breathe new life into your dull oiled surfaces!

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