Oil, wax or varnish? Liberon’s guide to choosing the right wood finish

Woodworkers are faced with a huge choice of finishes when it comes to woodcare, and it can be tricky to know which one to select. Even experienced woodworkers sometimes need guidance on the pros and cons of oil, wax and varnish. Here, Richard Bradley, UK Head of Marketing at woodcare experts Liberon, sheds some light on the subject and explains when to use each finish.

Oils

First off, oils. Among the oldest forms of wood finishing, they provide a natural, hardwearing finish with a beautiful sheen and silky-smooth feel.

Waxes

Next up, waxes. Often considered the classic finish, they have been used for centuries to protect and enhance wooden furniture. Made from natural ingredients, they produce a soft satin sheen and leave furniture feeling smooth to the touch.

Varnishes

Finally, varnishes – the most durable and hardwearing of all wood finishes. Ideal for items in heavy use and where maximum protection is required, varnishes are highly resistant to water, heat and alcohol. They are quick and easy to apply, require little ongoing maintenance, and are excellent for protecting furniture and floors from scratches and stains.

How do they compare?

Oils penetrate deeper into the wood than waxes or varnishes. Because they soak into the timber’s fibres, they tend to darken the wood slightly. In terms of appearance, oils generally create a more natural look than either wax or varnish.

When it comes to application, oils are particularly useful for intricate shapes and detailed work where brushing on wax or varnish can be difficult. They are also easier to apply and maintain than either of the other finishes.

Choosing the right finish

Choose oil when the piece is not exposed to heavy moisture, heat or abrasion, and when appearance and tactile feel are more important than maximum protection. Oil can be applied directly to bare wood.

Wax is less about protection and more about feel, subtle sheen and the finishing touch. It is ideal for carvings, turned objects and decorative pieces that are handled frequently. Use wax when you want the most natural feel and a silky-smooth surface. However, avoid wax where high water resistance, heat resistance or long-term durability are required. Wax can also be applied directly to bare wood.

Varnish is the best choice when a surface needs to resist water, spills and staining. This makes it ideal for kitchen surfaces, bathroom furniture and other high-use areas where easy maintenance is important. However, varnished surfaces tend to feel less natural than oiled or waxed wood and generally require more preparation and care during application.

Maintenance

Oils are straightforward to maintain and can usually be refreshed with additional coats when needed. Wax is easy to repair and maintain by removing and reapplying it, although it does require more frequent attention. Varnishes offer excellent durability but are generally the most difficult of the three finishes to repair once damaged.

In summary

If protection and durability are the priority, choose varnish. For a natural look and feel, choose oil. For a soft sheen and the perfect finishing touch, choose wax.

Liberon’s extensive woodcare range includes around ten types of oil suitable for a wide variety of projects. Its wax collection features both solid and liquid options, while its range of varnishes provides solutions for furniture, floors and general woodcare applications.

For more information about Liberon, visit www.liberon.co.uk.