7 points on benefits of natural oils for wooden furniture
Photographs: courtesy P3 Architectural Solutions
Traditionally, Indians revere teak as the last word in wood. But now, with the world coming closer, there are several other varieties – such as walnut, oak, cherry and beech – that are as good. Roopesh Gupta of high-end interior solution provider P3 Architectural Solutions, which has brought solid wood furniture by Austria-based Team 7 to India, gives us pointers on advantages and types of natural oils that can be used to keep these woods in mint condition.
Natural oils enhance the beauty and the lustre of wooden furniture, giving you better returns for your investment.1. Dirt and wax build-up makes furniture look old and worn out. Natural oils remove these easily.
2. Natural oils enhance the beauty and depth of grain in finished and unfinished wood, especially oak.
3. The hassle of having to polish your furniture every now and then, or for that matter covering those scrapes and indentations, will be taken care of, as natural oils help to retain the 'forever new' look of the furniture.
Here are some natural oils that will keep your furniture lustrous and durable:
4. Danish oil and teak oil: Apply Danish and teak oil with a soft brush or cloth, being careful not to use too much at a time or it won't sink in. Sand the wood in between coats with a fine sandpaper. You will probably find 3 or 4 coats of oil is your optimum, delivering the best results.
5. Standard linseed oil: Apply the oil with a cloth and rub it in well. Leave a day between coats and once you're happy with the finish, buff it to a lovely sheen with a soft cloth.
6. Mineral oil: This is actually a very effective laxative, which you should be able to buy at your local chemist. While it doesn't give you the same sheen as the other oils, it's perfect for things like kitchen chopping boards where you need a non-toxic finish.
7. Tung oil: You need to apply tung oil using a special method called wet-on-wet burnishing, more complex and involved than many other oil application methods. Most amateurs find this process difficult. While you apply tung oil just like linseed oil, you need to sand the surface after each application of oil and it usually takes at least 3-5 coats plus 2-3 days drying time in between each coat.
Note
As part of natural aging, your wood furniture will typically develop a beautiful patina and undergo colour changes, depending on the wood. Cherry typically darkens while walnut tends to lighten with time. Pine, alder and red oak tend to turn a golden colour as they age.
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Roopesh Gupta
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