Upon completing any wooden project or structure, we usually need a finish to enhance the look of the wood and add protection. We call the process of applying the final layer to the wood a finish. There are different types of wood finish that you can get, and one of the most popular forms is oil, also known as timber oil.
Each type of finish calls for the adoption of a particular procedure for applying it. While discussing the different wood finishes methods is beyond this article’s scope, here we go into the various aspects of timber oil.
What is Timber oil?
As we mentioned above, we use timber oil to enhance the pure natural beauty of wood and to protect it. It is a blend of various oils, typically linseed oil and tung oil.
It also contains additives like solvents and pigments. Timber oil supposedly nourishes the wood and prevents water from damaging it.
The coating of timber oil also imparts a certain degree of resistance to mildew and protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Key Features of Timber Oil
- Timber oil can penetrate the wood to nourish and beautify it.
- It minimizes color streaking and lap marks.
- The wood becomes resistant to mildew and damage from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
- You can use timber oil on all types of woods, including hardwoods.
- Timber oil accentuates the wood grain, thereby highlighting the character of the wood.
- It also imparts a certain degree of water resistance to the wood.
Timber Decking Oil Recipe
There is a category of timber oil that we used for finishing and maintaining outdoor decking. We call this type of oil timber decking oil. Here is one of the most popular recipes for timber decking oil:
In a preferably stainless steel container, 11 parts of mineral turps to 4 parts of linseed oil. Add 1 part of terobene (which serves as a drying agent). You can scale up or down the quantities depending on the size of your job.
The above formula will cost you roughly 50% of the commercially available pre-mixed timber oil that you get from the market.
How to Apply Timber Oil
There are specific procedures to be followed while applying timber oil, but if you know how to do it, then you will find the procedure quite simple. Given below are the necessary steps that you need to take for applying timber oil to exterior wooden surfaces.
Before Application
Here we discuss how to apply exterior timber oil. Ensure the temperature is above 40°F for at least 48 hours before using the oil. Postpone your application if there is rain forecasted within 24 hours of your job.
Before you begin, you should perform a splash test. This involves sprinkling water on the surface of the wood that you want to finish. If the surface absorbs the water within 5 seconds, it is porous and ready for treatment. If the sprinkled water forms beads on the surface of the wood and does not readily absorb into the wood, it means that you have to prep the wood. You can do this by sanding the wood with fine-grit Sandpaper and washing it with solvents like paint thinner.
Keep your brushes and the timber oil ready to use. Ensure that you have adequate ventilation in the area where you will apply the oil. Timber oil contains volatile solvents and chemicals that can be harmful if exposed to the eyes or ingested. It is also a highly combustible material, so be sure to take adequate fire prevention precautions like keeping a fire extinguisher at hand or a bucket of water.
Cover any nearby shrubs and plants and move objects that may come in the splash zone. You should not store timber oil at temperatures below 32°F.
Note:
Since you cannot apply timber oil to painted surfaces, you need to remove old paint by sanding or scraping. Take adequate precautions while sanding and scraping by wearing a respirator and safety goggles. Also, make sure that the surface of the wood is free of oil, grease, or any other contaminants. Standard deck cleaning liquid available at your local hardware store should be sufficient to eliminate these contaminants. Once the surface of the wood is clear of debris and impurities, it is ready to apply the timber oil.
During Application
Be careful about mixing different products as they may not be compatible with each other. If you have to add thinner, do so cautiously without shaking the mixture too much. Stir the mixture properly but avoid shaking the can to prevent the formation of bubbles.
You can apply a small trial patch of the timber oil to a surface that is not visible to see the final result. If you have to make any adjustments, do so before applying the timber oil to the full project. Be sure to apply the oil onto the wood at the same rate the wood absorbs the oil. Wipe off any excess oil to avoid drips and blotches from forming.
It should take about 8 hours for timber oil to dry enough to touch the surface, but the job will be ready for use only after 24 hours.
After Application
Use mineral spirits to clean up your brushes and equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Then you can rinse everything in clean water. Clear the area and put up a sign to indicate that the surfaces are wet to prevent enough inadvertent touching. Ensure all windows are open before leaving the site.
Precautions While Using Timber Oil
- Timber oil is harmful and even fatal if swallowed.
- It is a highly combustible material. Ensure that fire preventive measures are taken while handling this material.
- Do not place Timber oil near an open flame or a heat source.
- If timber oil gets splashed in the eyes, immediately wash with cold, clean water for 15 minutes.
- Despite using a respirator, if you feel nauseous or experience dizziness, then leave the site immediately.
Conclusion
As you can see, applying timber oil involves specific procedures. However, if you familiarise yourself with those procedures, then you will be able to apply this finish easily to wood surfaces. You don’t need any professional expertise to apply timber oil. But once you use this oil, you will be able to see the difference in the appearance of the wood’s surface.
If you follow the steps mentioned here, you can get some spectacular results in your woodworking projects. We hope that you will benefit from the information that we have provided here and that you will get the best out of timber oil in your future projects.
