When you’re finishing wood, it’s easy to get confused between a clear finish and a natural wood look finish. They sound similar — and both aim to protect the wood without hiding its grain — but they’re actually a bit different in how they look and feel.
A clear finish, like Osmo Polyx Oil is just that: clear. It doesn’t add any colour, so the natural grain and tone of the wood stay visible. However, depending on the product, it might still slightly darken the wood or give it a warm tone, especially with oils or traditional varnishes. Clear finishes come in different sheens — from matt and satin to full gloss — and can make the surface feel smoother or shinier than raw timber. They're great if you want to show off the wood's character while giving it some added depth and protection.
A natural wood look finish like Ciranova Hardwax Oil, on the other hand, is designed to keep the wood looking as close to unfinished as possible. These products often have special additives (like tiny amounts of white pigment) to stop the wood from darkening or yellowing after application. The idea is to make it look like you haven’t applied anything at all — just beautifully clean, dry wood that happens to be water- and stain-resistant. These finishes usually have a matt or ultra-matt sheen, and they’re popular in modern homes where a natural, subtle look is preferred.
Key Differences:
• Clear finishes are transparent but can slightly darken or warm the wood.
• Natural wood look finishes aim to keep the timber looking totally untreated.
• Clear products often enhance grain and add depth or shine.
• Natural look finishes are ultra-matt and subtle — no gloss or colour change.
• Choose clear for warmth and character, or natural look for raw, pale simplicity.
In short, a clear finish protects and enhances, while a natural wood look finish protects without changing the look much at all.
