Impregnating oils protect the wood from within
Oiling wood is the most traditional method and gives the surface a natural, matte appearance and feel. Our oils penetrate deeply into the wood, fill the pores, and reliably protect the wood from within. They do not form a surface film but rather create an open-pore impregnation. The gloss level is relatively low and the color enhancement is pronounced: the grain and natural color of the wood are accentuated with rich definition. It is approximately the color of an untreated wooden surface when wet. Our impregnating oils are so-called blends: a mixture of various modified vegetable oils such as linseed oil, wood oil, and sunflower oil. These blends are available with different solid contents: in the Medium-Solid and High-Solid variants.
High-Solid
In the OLI-NATURA HS Professional Oil , the abbreviation »HS« in the product-name stands for 100% High-Solid: just one application of oil provides one hundred percent wood saturation, and it is solvent-free. This means that nothing evaporates and subsequently has to be replaced. As a result, 100% of the oil remains in the wood after curing, providing excellent wood saturation and resistance. However, because of its high solid content, it is also »slower« to process and should therefore preferably be worked into the wood by hand with a pad or using a polishing machine. This is the only way to achieve maximum wood saturation and allow the oil to deliver its full strength.
Medium-Solid
The OLI-NATURA Project Oil and the OLI-NATURA Yacht & Teak Oil are Medium-Solid oils. To optimize the oil’s penetration behavior, highly pure isoparaffin of medical grade is added. This optimizes the oil’s penetration behavior. This isoparaffin content serves as a »carrier«: it makes the oil considerably more fluid, allows it to penetrate the wood much more effectively, and makes it very easy to use. After the oil is applied, the isoparaffin evaporates, allowing 60% of the oil to cure inside the wood. One application provides sufficient basic saturation for furniture subject to normal use. To achieve greater wood saturation and thus higher resistance, a second application is recommended for more heavily used surfaces such as tabletops.
Generally speaking
The absorbency of the wood depends on the type and condition of the wood, the user’s working method, and the sanding of the wood. Generally speaking:
- Whatever the wood absorbs must be left for it to receive.
- Whatever the wood does not absorb must be removed while still wet.
If the excess is not removed, the oil remains on the surface as a sticky film and, in the best-case scenario, causes a significant delay in drying.
At the same time, the protective effect must be refreshed regularly through occasional re-oiling. Surface scratches or damage on an oiled wooden surface do not expose unprotected wood, as the oil protects the wood from within. Fine blemishes or scratches can therefore also be repaired easily: simply sand the affected areas and re-oil them. Any difference in color will even out over time.
WARNING: RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION!
Special attention must be paid to oil-soaked rags and cloths, which can spontaneously ignite due to heat buildup. Naturally drying oils cure by absorbing oxygen from the air. This generates heat, which is normally released into the surroundings and is completely harmless. However, in oil-soaked and crumpled rags, cloths, pads, or sponges, the heat cannot escape, meaning that under unfavorable circumstances they can spontaneously ignite. Oily cloths or rags should therefore never be left unattended; instead, soak them thoroughly with water, hang them outdoors, and allow them to dry. Treated in this way, they can be disposed of safely once dry. Alternatively, oil-soaked rags and sponges can be stored under water or temporarily kept in an airtight, sealable container.