Wood Oils — How They Work and Why They Differ

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

Pure Wood Oils: Traditional Timber Protection

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Displaying 7 products

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  4.9/5.0  (651)
A durable worktop oil that protects and enhances the natural character of wooden worktops.
  • 2 coats
  • 24m² per litre
  • 9 hrs drying time
More info
Available in 5ml sample, 125ml, 500ml
Recommended
  5.0/5.0  (51)
Natural oils and resins that feed the wood to provide a natural waterproof finish.
  • 3 coats
  • 12m² per litre
  • 6 hrs drying time
More info
Available in 500ml
Recommended
  4.7/5.0  (86)
A premium grade door oil that enhances and protects solid wood, engineered and veneered interior doors. Dries to a natural matt finish.
  • 2 coats
  • 24m² per litre
  • 4 hrs drying time
More info
Available in 500ml, 1L
Recommended
A quick-drying oil suitable for the finishing of wooden floors, stairs and furniture.
  • 2 coats
  • 50m² per litre
  • 24 hrs drying time
More info
Available in 100ml, 1L, 5L
  5.0/5.0  (52)
The purest linseed oil and nothing else. Produces a warm natural lustre.
  • 3-5 coats
  • 18m² per litre
  • 72 hrs drying time
More info
Available in 250ml, 500ml, 2L, 5L
  4.7/5.0  (23)
A natural Tung Oil for protecting and preserving interior and exterior wood. Ideal for food contact surfaces such as table tops and worktops.
  • 4 coats
  • 12m² per litre
  • 24 hrs drying time
More info
Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1L, 5L
  5.0/5.0  (46)
A natural linseed oil with additives to improve penetration, durability and drying.
  • 3-5 coats
  • 18m² per litre
  • 24 hrs drying time
More info
Available in 250ml, 500ml, 2L, 5L