Wood oils are penetrating finishes that soak into timber rather than sitting on top. Their drying oils, such as Linseed and Tung oil, etc.—polymerise (chemically hardens into a protective, semi-solid film) as they cure, leaving a flexible, breathable barrier that repels water while letting moisture vapour escape. Because the oil bonds within the fibres, it won’t peel or flake, and it amplifies grain and colour for classic looking wood.
You’ll see oils sold in two broad tiers:
| Tier | Typical product names | Composition | Key strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Oils | Raw Linseed, Boiled Linseed, Pure Tung, “Traditional” Teak | Almost‑pure natural oil with minimal solvent or driers | Deep natural warmth, very easy to spot‑repair; low chemical load |
| Engineered oils | Danish oil, Finishing oil, Worktop oil, Hard‑wax oil, Decking oil | Base oil plus resins, waxes, pigments, UV absorbers or fungicides | Faster drying, tougher surface, colour options, extra UV / water / scratch resistance |
The Benefits of Pure and Engineered Oil
A Pure oil, such as Liberon Pure Tung Oil offers the ability to achieve the Maximum “natural” look and feel of wood but may need several days to cure and still scratch easily. Enineered oils keep the penetrative benefit but layer on chemistry to solve specific problems: Hard Wax oils, like Ciranova Hardwax Oil add abrasion resistance for floors, Danish oils build a mild film for a hand rubbed sheen and door oil gives extra abrasion and scuff resistance.
Features of Pure and Engineed Oil Finishes
• Surface Penetration: All true wood‑oil products sink into fibres, highlighting grain and preventing peel.
• Pure Oils: Simplest chemistry, longest cure, easiest to refresh and maintain.
• Engineered Oils: Purpose‑built blends that dry faster and add UV, wax, pigment, or hardness as needed.
• Maintenance: Clean, light‑sand wear spots, wipe on a fresh coat—no wholesale stripping required.
• Safety note: Oil‑soaked rags can self‑ignite; lay flat to dry before disposal.
Wood oils penetrate timber, highlighting grain and curing inside the fibres. Pure oils—raw or boiled linseed and tung, —are almost pure, polymerising into a flexible, breathable shield. Engineered oils—Danish, Hard‑wax/Polyx, Worktop and Door—blend base oils with resins, waxes, pigments, and UV or water‑repellent additives to dry faster and resist wear.
Select a primary oil for a traditional, natural look and easy re‑oiling; choose a secondary blend when you need quicker turnaround, tougher protection, colour, or outdoor durability. Both finishes are simple to maintain: clean, lightly sand worn spots, wipe on a fresh coat, and enjoy peel‑free, renewed timber.
For more information on various types of wood oils then please cick on the links below
