Oil for wood countertops is one of the most effective means that protects against pests, humidity, sudden temperature changes and mechanical damage. Due to its excellent absorption, the agent penetrates deep into the wood, increasing its strength and antiseptic characteristics. At the same time, air exchange with the external environment is maintained.
Features of oils
Mainly for processing, a special oil for wood countertops is used, which has wax in its composition. Thanks to this, the texture of the countertop is preserved and the operational life of the item is significantly extended.
Wood countertop oil is classified by drying method:
- Non-drying and semi-drying mixes. They are usually produced on the basis of natural compounds. The composition contains more than 90% of natural components, and therefore they dry out for a long time. However, wood impregnation is moredeep. When applying such compositions, a very thin layer is formed on the surface, which can deteriorate under mechanical stress.
- Completely drying mixes. After the agent is applied, oxidation and polymerization begin on the wooden surface, and the oil hardens. This coating does not wash off with water, so it retains its original characteristics for a long time.
Oil composition
This product consists of oil, thinner and binder. Often, urethane or alkyd acts as a connector, and white spirit or turpentine acts as a diluent. Manufacturers also produce pure oils, but they consist only of an antifungal agent, and in the process of use they must be diluted. For this reason, substances are added to the formulations that improve the properties of wood countertop oil.
Beneficial use of oils
The use of wood oils brings the following possibilities:
- Giving unique design aesthetics - increasing texture contrast and creating a uniform hue.
- Applied to wood products that release resins and oils under certain operating conditions.
- Reducing the exchange of moisture with the environment, so all the original geometric dimensions of the material are preserved.
- Resistant to hot objects that are often placed on the countertop, and the protective layer will not peel off or crack.
- Protection against warping, rotting anddeformation.
Surface update
Even the highest quality coating loses its original properties over time and wears off. Restoration requires a new oil treatment of the wood countertops. It consists of cleaning the surface of dirt, sanding damaged areas and directly painting. Use abrasive tools only when the countertop has a pronounced gray tint. Full restoration is needed in the presence of deep chips and cracks.
Surface preparation
Oil for impregnating wood countertops is applied to the surface, which is previously thoroughly cleaned of grease and dirt. Do not use it on damp, frozen and damp materials. In order to obtain a uniform coating and good absorption, the wood is sanded with abrasives - at first coarse, gradually moving to softer ones. After that, the surface must be cleaned.
Application
Oil for treating natural wood countertops has the following approximate consumption:
- 1 liter per 30 m2 – if two coats applied;
- 1 liter per 40 m2 – when the surface is treated in one layer.
Before using the product, it is stirred for 3-5 minutes. It is applied to the product in a uniform layer with a small excess. After half an hour, the excess is leveled, and the surface is polished with a pador soft cloth. This stage implies the 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 the application of the product and its drying should be carried out only at a temperature of at least +16 ° C.
Drying and caring for countertops
The surface dries at a relative 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 and direct sunlight to hit the countertop. At high humidity and low temperatures, as well as when applying a large amount of product, the drying period increases.
Kitchen boards and wooden countertops are recommended to be updated once every six months, as they are constantly subjected to mechanical stress and systematic exposure to water. Damaged areas on the surface are updated similarly to primary treatment.
OSMO
OSMO wood countertop oil is very popular due to its many benefits:
- there is a color for interior work and a colorless matte or matte silky;
- recommended for processing kitchen worktops, wood furniture and furniture boards;
- makes the surface resistant to stains and household chemicals;
- wear-resistant and water-repellent;
- sweat and saliva resistant, safe in contact withfood.
For unpainted wood, the oil must be applied in two layers, and for renewal only one. There is no need for sanding.
BORMA HARD TOP OIL
This is a blend of natural modified oils made in Italy. It is ideal for kitchen worktops and is acceptable for food contact. The product is environmentally friendly and safe, has passed strict quality control, so it does not emit harmful chemical impurities. The special shape ensures resistance to dirt and scratches. Solid oil is transparent, therefore, the distortion of the shade of wood is excluded, while adding richness to the color. Complete drying occurs after 12 hours, and maximum hardness in a day.
Reviews
Users note that thanks to wood oil, the life of the structure is increased, the product is easy to apply and deeply absorbed quickly. They also highlight such a property as an increase in the resistance of the material to pollution and physical stress.
