There are so many different oils for wood – what’s really in the bottle or tin? Let’s try to shed a bit of light on this.
Teak oil is a product that is designed to penetrate the wood and provide protection against moisture. Historically it was made from a blend of linseed oil, tung oil, and other natural oils that help to nourish the wood and enhance its natural beauty. Sadly, most of the “modern” Teak Oils comply of Paraffin and a large amount of slow evaporating hydrocarbon-based solvent. These products bear no resemblance to the “old” recipes.
Unfortunately, Teak Oils slowly but surely evaporate and need to be reapplied on a very regular basis. They are also known for attracting dirt and dust and darken the timber substrate substantially, feel greasy and rub off on textiles and contrary to common believe are not durable. Considering their high content of volatile content, one needs to mention the potential health hazards such oils may contain.
Danish Oil is a solvent containing wood finish, which used to be made primarily from Tung Oil and pre-polymerised Linseed Oil. However, unfortunately most of the currently available products are predominantly based on a plant oil-based polyester (Alkyd) with small additions of actual plant oils. They are generally very high in volatile organics like aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Danish Oil is strictly suitable for interior applications only.
Linseed Oil, obtained from the seed of the linseed–flax plant and is one of the most useful, and most popular natural finishing oils in the world. Used raw or boiled, it has been used for hundreds of years for the protection and maintenance of interior and exterior wood. The unfortunate downside of Linseed oil is, it never dries nor cures, attracts mould and does not provide any kind of UV protection.
There are purely plant oil-based, penetrating wood treatments on the market, like locally manufactured ProNature Care Oil, Indoor and Outdoor Wood Sealers. All are non-toxic, water & stain-repellent and leave the wood breathable. The Outdoor range provides UV shielding and prevents mould growth, The Indoor range is suitable for food-contact items. Natural Clear enhances the beauty of the grain, while Natural Light preserves the freshly sanded look of the timber. One can also choose from 60 colours for a stain & seal in one application. The more intense the pigmentation, the stronger the UV protection, even if one simply repeats the original timber colour (instead of opting for clear). No need to sand prior to maintenance down the line and there’s no need for solvents neither, easily clean brushes and tools with ProNature’s Plant Soap Concentrate. Why not giving it a bash and paint a greener future – together?
100ml Liquid Samples of all products are available in the online shop, and you can contact the friendly and knowledgeable ProNature team for any further advice.
Have a fabulous woodworking day,
Your Green Chemist.
