Oiled surfaces are not only beautiful and sustainable, but also surprisingly easy to care for and maintain. Discover how to preserve their natural beauty with ease in our 5 care tips.
It is a common misconception that oiled surfaces require a lot of maintenance. What is often overlooked is the significant advantage: an oiled wood surface can be refreshed again and again with a simple re-oiling, and fine scratches can be repaired by lightly sanding them out. This ease of maintenance makes it an unsurpassed low-maintenance surface. An oiled wood surface is therefore not only particularly sustainable, but also a way of appreciating natural materials and committing to their preservation. With this in mind, we should learn to view the care of oiled surfaces not as a burden, but as a valuable investment. Oiled surfaces are not a one-time solution. With the right care and treatment, they can last a lifetime and retain their natural beauty. Here are 5 care tips:
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Regular dusting: It is important to regularly remove dust and loose dirt from the surface. Use a soft cloth. For light soiling, lukewarm water can help. Use a well-wrung-out cloth, then dry the surface with a soft cotton cloth.
Old, discarded cotton T-shirts often make ideal cloths for this purpose.
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Heavier soiling: For heavier soiling, the gentle, water-based OLI-NATURA wood soap can help. Depending on the level of soiling, the soap concentrate can be used neat or diluted with water.
Please avoid using aggressive, highly alkaline, or solvent-based cleaning or scouring products. They could damage the surface.
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Wipe up spills: If something spills on the oiled wooden table, soak it up with a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid leaving spilled liquids on the table for too long so they don’t penetrate the wood.
Naturally oiled wood surfaces are water-repellent, but not 100% waterproof, as they are always open to diffusion.
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Re-oiling: Depending on how much use the table gets, it may need to be re-oiled from time to time. This helps maintain the surface’s protection and extend the table’s lifespan. Make sure to spread the oil evenly and wipe off any excess after allowing it to soak in for a while.
Re-oiling is easy and requires no prior sanding.
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Avoid sharp objects: Please note that oiled wood is protected from within and does not form a surface layer. Use coasters, tablecloths, or placemats to protect the table from scratches.
Minor damage and scratches on naturally oiled surfaces can be repaired relatively easily. Depending on the depth of the damage, the area can be sanded locally, first with coarse and then with fine sandpaper, and then oiled again.
Which oil or wax is right for me?
If you want to buy wood oil, the range may initially seem enormous and overwhelming. We’ll help you decide and show you which OLI-NATURA oils & waxes are the best fit for you—or rather, your project. Our experts will quickly and easily recommend a suitable wood oil, answer your product questions, and offer application tips. We’re happy to help with any questions by phone at 037208/84-488 or by email at faq@oli-lacke.de. (sst_23072023)
