Oil for wood countertops is one of the most effective means that protects against pests, humidity, sudden temperature changes and mechanical damage. Thanks to excellent absorption, the product penetrates deeply into the wood, increasing its strength and antiseptic characteristics. At the same time, air exchange with the external environment is maintained.
Features of oils
Basically, special oil for wood countertops, which contains wax, is used for processing. Thanks to this, the texture of the tabletop is preserved and the service life of the item is significantly extended.
Oil for wood countertops is classified according to drying methods:
- Non-drying and semi-drying mixtures. They are usually produced based on natural compounds. The composition contains more than 90% natural components, which is why they dry out quite a long time. However, wood impregnation is deeper. When such compositions are applied, a thin layer is formed on the surface, which can deteriorate under mechanical stress.
- Completely dry mixtures. After the product is applied, oxidation and polymerization begins on the wooden surface, and the oil hardens. This coating cannot be washed off with water, so it retains its original characteristics for a long time.
VARNISHING PROCESS
It takes place in several stages:
REMOVAL OF OLD COATING
Clean the surface to “clean” wood. This can be done in three ways:
- chemical - a remover is used, which is applied with a roller or brush for ten minutes. The old layer of varnish is removed with a rag;
- mechanical - carried out using different-grained skins or grinding machines;
- thermal cleaning - a hair dryer is used for this. After the top layer heats up and softens, it is removed with a rag.
REMOVING DUST FROM THE SURFACE
It is better to use a vacuum cleaner for this. At the same time, pay special attention to the corners of the table and other places where dirt could accumulate during the grinding process.
FILLING SCRATCHES
If there are scratches, fill them with putty. The best option is the one based on wax.
STAINING
Apply a small amount of stain. Do not allow streaks, drips, or unevenness to occur during work.
Staining is a wood processing process. It prevents mold and rotting of wood.
DRYING
Dry after application. Please note that the drying time of the varnish depends on its type, that is, it can range from 18 to 36 hours.
GRINDING
Do an intermediate sanding using sandpaper to remove any minor unevenness, if any.
Oil composition
This product consists of oil, diluent and binder. Often the connector is urethane or alkyd, and the thinner is white spirit or turpentine. Manufacturers also produce pure oils, but they only contain an antifungal agent and must be diluted during use. For this reason, substances are added to the compositions that improve the properties of oil for wood countertops.
Benefits of using oils
The use of wood oils has the following benefits:
- Giving unique aesthetic characteristics to the structure - increasing the contrast of textures and creating a single shade.
- An application to wood products that releases resins and oils under certain operating conditions.
- Reduced exchange of moisture with the external environment, so all the original geometric dimensions of the material are preserved.
- Withstands hot objects that are often placed on the countertop without the protective layer peeling off or cracking.
- Protection against warping, rotting and deformation.
Resurfacing
Even the highest quality coating loses its original properties and wears off over time. Restoration requires a new oil treatment of the wood countertop. It consists of cleaning the surface from dirt, sanding damaged areas and painting directly. It is necessary to use abrasive tools only when the countertop has a distinct gray tint. A complete restoration is needed in the presence of deep chips and cracks.
SELF-ADHESIVE FILM
The easiest way to cover. Allows you to update a tabletop that has become old.
Before you begin finishing, thoroughly clean the area to be treated with sandpaper. Achieve a perfectly smooth surface.
Attention! Clean the surface thoroughly. Do not allow air bubbles to form under the film!
In stores you can find a huge assortment of self-adhesive films with a variety of designs - imitations of stones, solid wood of any species, plain, with a pattern.
Cheap and cheerful. But effective.
Cheap and cheerful. But effective.
The surface with such a film is easy to clean from dirt and can serve for a long time without wear or fading.
Application
Oil for treating natural wood countertops has the following approximate consumption:
- 1 liter per 30 m2 – if two layers are applied;
- 1 liter per 40 m2 – when the surface is treated in one layer.
Before using the product, stir it for 3-5 minutes. It is applied to the product in an even layer with a small excess. After half an hour, the excess is leveled, and the surface is polished with a pad or soft cloth. This stage involves complete absorption of the oil into the surface of the wood. When two layers are applied, the second should be done only after 16-24 hours. Both application of the product and its drying should be carried out only at a temperature of at least +16 °C.
SOFT GLASS
You can cover the surface with oilcloth or a tablecloth, but they wear out very quickly.
An adequate alternative is transparent PVC film. It is also called soft glass. Withstands household chemicals, relatively high temperatures, does not become saturated with water, and does not deform. No scratches left.
Like self-adhesive film, only a little thicker. It will do for the first time.
Like self-adhesive film, only a little thicker. It will do for the first time.
Suitable for wood, MDF, chipboard, glass, metal, as well as artificial stone and agglomerate surfaces.
Drying and caring for the countertop
The surface dries at a relative air humidity of 55% and a temperature of +20 °C. Complete drying under such conditions is possible after 7-10 days. During this time, do not allow dirt, water or direct sunlight to come into contact with the countertop. With high air humidity and low temperatures, as well as when applying a large amount of product, the drying period increases.
It is recommended to renew kitchen boards and wooden countertops once every six months, since they are constantly exposed to mechanical stress and systematic exposure to water. Damaged areas on the surface are renewed in the same way as the primary treatment.
Factors of wood damage
If the room has high humidity, poor ventilation and a comfortable temperature for the growth of bacteria (depending on the type - from 15 to 65 ° C) and moldy fungi, any wooden surface is at risk.
This is how a kitchen cutting board can turn black.
Do not forget - and this applies mainly to the kitchen - that aggressive solutions (acids and alkalis) change the chemical composition of wood and thereby worsen its appearance and strength characteristics.
Another factor of damage is direct sunlight. But here the situation is ambiguous: on the one hand, ultraviolet light has a pronounced bactericidal effect. But in addition to destroying bacteria, it almost instantly begins to destroy the unprotected surface of the tree. It becomes silver-gray in color and loses strength.
Finally, do not forget about possible (and in the case of a cutting board, inevitable) mechanical damage. They put a hot frying pan on, scratched it with a knife - they ruined the tabletop or board.
It may seem subjective, but we are for butter. Yes, the varnish coating looks beautiful, dries quickly and is inexpensive.
But the varnish coating has disadvantages, which in the case of countertops and especially cutting boards will emphasize the advantages of oil:
- The varnish is not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity.
- The varnish can hardly withstand temperature changes: and this happens often in the kitchen.
- The varnish coating is easily damaged even with slight impact - a scratch on oiled wood is much less noticeable.
- Damaged varnish cannot be restored in a separate area - you will have to completely remove the coating and apply a new one.
Any defects on the varnish become immediately visible.
OSMO
OSMO wood countertop oil is particularly popular due to its many advantages:
- There is color for interior work and colorless matte or matte-silky;
- recommended for processing kitchen countertops, wooden furniture and furniture panels;
- makes the surface resistant to stains and household chemicals;
- It is resistant to wear and has a water-repellent effect;
- resistant to sweat and saliva, the product is safe in contact with food.
For unpainted wood, oil should be applied in two layers, and for renewal only one. There is no need for grinding.
TOP best means
The TOP includes only the best materials with optimal characteristics.
Gappa matte, 0000 colorless
High quality material that can be used for both indoor and outdoor use. This allows the product to be used, including for garden furniture. The product provides reliable protection against aggressive biological environments, the harmful effects of moisture and ultraviolet radiation.
Characteristics:
- processing material – wood;
- hardening time – 24 hours;
- UV protection – yes;
- minimum consumption – 30 sq.m/l;
- gloss level – matte;
- shelf life – 5 years.
Advantages and disadvantages:
- reliable protection;
- faint odor;
- ease of application;
- low consumption;
- high quality;
- wear-resistant attractive coating.
- long drying time.
BIOFA hard professional, matte
High quality material recommended for all types of wood. Suitable for interior work, including processing wooden furniture in a children's room. Forms a water- and dirt-repellent coating on the surface. It is easy to use.
Characteristics:
- processing material – wood;
- hardening time – 24 hours;
- gloss level – matte;
- type of coating – glaze;
- shelf life – 2 years.
Advantages and disadvantages:
- fits well on the surface;
- ease of use;
- can be applied in several layers;
- reliable protection of wood from external negative influences.
- takes a long time to dry;
- a pungent odor that can cause dizziness and headaches.
OSMO TopOil, 3058 clear matt
A high quality product that is recommended for use for interior work. It is safe to use. Does not emit toxic fumes and does not cause allergic reactions. Thanks to this, the material can be used for interior items in a children's room.
Characteristics:
- processing material – wood;
- hardening time – 24 hours;
- gloss level – matte;
- type of coating – glaze;
- shelf life – 5 years.
Advantages and disadvantages:
- good to go to bed;
- high quality;
- suitable for furniture in children's rooms;
- restores the external attractiveness of interior items;
- reliable protection from external negative influences.
- There are no cons.
Oil-wax is a material that creates a protective coating on wooden furniture. Expert advice and TOP best products will help you choose the right product.
BORMA HARD TOP OIL
This is a mixture of natural modified oils made in Italy. It is ideal for kitchen worktops and is food contact resistant. The product is environmentally friendly and safe, has passed strict quality control, and therefore does not emit harmful chemical impurities. The special shape ensures resistance to dirt and scratches. Solid oil is transparent, so distortion of the shade of wood is excluded, while adding richness to the color. Complete drying occurs after 12 hours, and maximum hardness after a day.
