Treat wood with lacquer or oil? - Differences at a glance

Indoor wood can be protected and refined with lacquers or oils. Here you can learn how the two systems differ, how they work, and what to consider during application.

lacquers - sit on the surface

• forms a durable protective layer on the wood
• appearance can range from matte to glossy
• diffusion and breathability are restricted by the lacquer film
• for dimensionally stable components
• previous priming is usually required on highly resinous and exotic woods
• partial repairs are not possible
• approximately 100–120 g/m² per application
• 2–3 applications (depending on the use and stress on the surface)

After drying, lacquers create a glossy, satin-matte, or matte, durable surface film, depending on the selected gloss level. This “seals” the wood, sits on the surface, and forms a mechanical protective layer. As a result, lacquers are relatively highly durable. However, the breathability of the wood is restricted.    

If the lacquer layer is damaged later, unprotected wood is exposed and water can penetrate through scratches. Unsightly gray discoloration is usually the result, and the entire lacquered surface must be sanded.

Lacquers are available as clear lacquer and color lacquer, both water-based and solvent-based. For the benefit of the environment, water-based lacquers with a low VOC content are recommended. Lacquers are also differentiated according to their application and areas of use, e.g. parquet lacquer, spray lacquer, dip lacquer, etc.

In general, applying lacquer is more labor-intensive than using oil, and the wood loses its tactile properties. It normally consists of two to three coats and, depending on the system and area of use, is applied at 100-120 g/m² per coat by brushing, rolling, or spraying.

Lacquered furniture has the characteristic of attracting dust almost magically. Caring for and cleaning the lacquered surface is easy, however: a mop, broom, dusting, and wiping with a barely damp cloth are sufficient. A parquet polish should occasionally be applied to sealed wood floors to form a protective film.

Oils - protect the wood from within

• penetrate the wood and protect it from within
• are vapor-permeable, moisture-regulating, and breathable
• good resistance to liquids
• suitable for dimensionally unstable components (do not crack, flake, or peel)
• can be used on almost all types of wood
• enhance the wood, preserving its natural appearance and feel
• easy to renovate, including partially
• extremely economical, approx. 20-40 g/m² per application (depending on the system)
• 1–2 applications are sufficient (depending on the absorbency of the wood)
• regular refreshing is necessary

Natural oil-based oils do not form a closed film on the surface; rather, they provide an open-pore impregnation. The oils penetrate deeply into the pores and protect the wood from within. The wood remains breathable and moisture-regulating: absorbed humidity can be released again, which has a positive effect on the indoor climate. The gloss level is rather low and the enhancement is high.

Since the protection comes from within, damaged areas do not expose unprotected wood. Minor dents or scratches can easily be lightly sanded and recoated without having to treat the entire surface again.

There are  color oils and unpigmented oils. The latter emphasize the wood’s natural color and grain. The degree of enhancement depends on the type of wood used. Oils are also differentiated according to their solids content. In recent years, the trend toward High-Solid (HS) oils with a solids content of nearly 100% has grown.

In application, oils prove to be universal and, above all, quite uncomplicated. They can be applied to almost all types of wood and are very economical at 20-40 g/m² per application. Depending on the type of oil, just one or two applications are sufficient to achieve excellent resistance to dirt and liquids.

Oiled surfaces have an antistatic effect. To clean oiled surfaces, dusting with a dry or, if necessary, barely damp cloth is sufficient. Floors should be cleaned regularly with a mop, vacuum cleaner, or soft broom. To maintain the protective effect of the treatment, the surface should occasionally be refreshed with a special  maintenance oil .

Conclusion: Every type of wood needs a suitable finish that protects the surface. Whether to use lacquer or oil is purely a matter of personal belief and taste. Those who prefer a closed-pore surface and want to choose between a high, medium, or low gloss level are best served by a film-forming lacquer. Those who prefer open-pore, breathable, and easy-to-repair surfaces with a natural appearance and feel are best served by an oil. However, the surface preparation is similar in both cases and should always be carried out carefully to achieve an optimal surface result.

Different types of oil

(Linseed oil - impregnating oil - hardwax oil - raw wood effect)

You can find information about the most common oil systems  >>here<<