Öltrends 2026 ·

Oil can do more. From protection to design.

The HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026 showed: Oil has developed from a mere protective agent into a targeted tool for designing appearance and feel - with clearly recognizable effects, from light raw wood looks to dark surfaces inspired by charred wood.

The most important oil effects at a glance

Oak smoking effect, dark brown wood surface treated with reactive stain Oli Natura

raw wood effect (Invisible / Raw Wood Oil)

Oak raw wood effect, light wood surface treated with Scandic Oil and a natural look Oli Natura
Exactly what is currently in demand. Light woods such as oak, ash, or maple are oiled yet still appear almost untreated. A small proportion of white prevents the wood from becoming more intense, keeps the surface light, and creates an even, calm look - without visible pigment deposits. Typically achieved with OLI-NATURA Scandic-Oil.

Off-White effect

Off-White effect, light oiled wood surface with calm and homogeneous grain Oli Natura


Unlike the classic lime effect, slightly muted whites such as Cotton White (Colour hardwax oil) or Light Ivory (Colour HS Professional Oil) appear calmer and more homogeneous. The structure remains visible but hardly stands out in contrast.

Natural tone effect

Natural tone effect, warm oiled wood surface with lively and deep grain Oli Natura


The wood is oiled and intentionally enhanced. The surface appears warm, lively, and deep. Honey-colored to golden oak tones and natural shades of brown are in demand - a deliberate move away from cool gray tones. Typically achieved with OLI-NATURA HS Professional Oil in Natural and Colour.

Black effect

Oak black effect, dark wood surface treated with black oil and visible grain Oli Natura


The wood is treated with black oil, for example with OLI-NATURA 2C Colour Oil Midnight Black. The grain remains visible and tangible, while creating a dark, elegant to industrial look. In combination with reactive pretreatment stains, the effect can be deliberately developed into a carbonized surface inspired by charred wood.

Smoking effect

Oak smoking effect, dark brown wood surface treated with reactive stain Oli Natura


The smoking effect recreates the classic smoking process. Reactive stains such as the VOC-free OLI-NATURA Antique reactive stain react with the tannins in oak or walnut and produce deep brown to gray-brown shades. The surface is then oiled.

Bicolor effect

Bicolor effect, two-tone wood surface with emphasized structure and depth Oli Natura


Structured surfaces are built up in two colors. A colored primer, for example in white or gray, remains in the pores, while the surface is subsequently treated with a contrasting oil, such as black - for greater depth and clarity. Typically achieved with OLI-NATURA Colour hardwax oil.

What matters today

Natural feel. Matte appearance. Sustainability. Repairability.

Processing efficiency is also crucial today. Modern high-solid oils produce a finished result in just one application - instead of two or three. Systems such as OLI-NATURA HS Professional Oil represent this one-layer approach and can be processed flexibly with or without hardener (10:1), depending on the application.

The color focus is also shifting: away from gray toward warm, natural shades of brown - complemented by selectively used dark, semitransparent black tones.

Would you like to create one of these effects yourself or do you have questions about a product?
We will help you select the right system - tailored to the type of wood, application, and desired appearance.

E-mail: faq@oli-lacke.de
Tel: +49 (0) 37208/84-488

Note:
This article is intended for processors and dealers.
End customers can find suitable products and applications here → https://oli-natura-shop.de/

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