4 Easy Steps & Items Needed To Finish The Oiled Wood
Oils are usually applied as a wood finish for a number of reasons. Oils drive away moisture, intensify a wood's natural color without modifying it, and is considered as one of the few types of finishes that keep a wooden object in a food-safe state. The only drawback with an oil finish is that it generally needs maintenance in the form of reapplication of more oil, so as a result, it is not a durable finish. In some cases, it is possible to extend the lifetime of an oil finish by "finishing" it with the help of a sealant. In order to finish the oiled wood, gather the required items before going through some simple steps carefully:
Items Needed
- Sanding Tools, Like Vibrating Hand Sander, Handheld Rotary Tool, Oscillating Tool Or Ordinary Sandpaper
- Polyurethane
- Oil Wood Finish, Such As Linseed Oil
- Paintbrush
Steps
- First of all, examine the piece of wood to know whether you are finishing an old oil-finished piece or not. If in case you find out that the wood surface and old oil finish are not in good condition, then it becomes necessary to refinish the wood. If it is in excellent condition then there is no need to refinish the wood, just skip to Step 4.
- The next step is sanding the wood surface with the help of a medium-grit (100- or 120-grit) sandpaper in order to make it ready for fresh oiling. The perfect sanding tool choice is totally dependent on the wood surface in question. For large as well as flat surfaces, you can use a hand vibrating sander. A handheld rotary tool fitted with a sanding disc is perfect for smaller surfaces. If in case there are some spots that are very difficult to reach, simply make use of a handheld oscillating tool. Ordinary sandpaper can be used for curved surfaces.
- Now, spread a coat of oil finish, like linseed oil or tung oil, to the wood with the help of a paintbrush. Make the oil to dip in and allow it to dry overnight, and test the coat. If in case the concentration of the oil finish is not suitable for you, spread a second or even a third coat. Give the wood object as well as its oil at least two or three days in order to cure fully.
- Finally, seal the wood by spreading a coat of polyurethane to the top, with the help of long, smooth brush strokes. Make it dry for several hours before spreading at least one more coat.
Warning
Polyurethane is not regarded as a food-safe sealant. If in case your wooded object is intended for frequent, heavy contact with food, which may include a cutting board or a salad spoon, make sure to remain away from sealants and leave the oil finish as it is.