What to protect wood with?

Every wooden surface requires a protective coating – which protects the wood from adverse conditions, biological corrosion, pests, moisture, fire, or UV radiation. The applied impregnations should possess appropriate certificates. Oil treatment differs from lacquering in many respects. Clients often ask us the question: what finish do we recommend, oiled or lacquered furniture? Which to choose?

Let’s start with what we expect from the coating? Should it be natural? For contact with food? What will be the frequency of its use? Do we care about scratch resistance? Do we have time for furniture maintenance every so often? Generally speaking, the choice between a lacquered or oiled coating depends primarily on how we will use the item.

How does lacquering differ from oiling?

Oiling is, simply put, protecting the wooden surface using wood oil. During this process, it penetrates deep into the pores, protecting the furniture from dirt and moisture. The process is not too complicated, and it can be successfully performed in home conditions. Lacquering is a method of applying a layer of lacquer to the wooden surface. This technique primarily requires knowledge, experience, and appropriate tools; it is not easy to make a mistake. Lacquer creates a durable protective coating that is resistant to abrasion.

What kind of top layer do you want?

For lacquer, we have glossy, satin, semi-matte, and matte finishes to choose from. Among oils, satin and matte finishes dominate. The lacquered surface is more slippery, and the lacquer is palpable. Meanwhile, oiling makes the texture more pleasant to the touch, and the wood structure is discernible. As for coloring, we have a wide range of colors available among both lacquers and oils.

Advantages and disadvantages of lacquering

By painting the surface with lacquer – we increase its resistance to damage, dirt, and water. We recommend lacquering primarily for securing floors and stairs. Lacquer does not penetrate the wood; it only creates a coating on its outer surface. 

The layer of lacquer protects the wood from dirt and moisture. It significantly limits, and often completely blocks, the exchange of air and moisture between the wood and its environment. Thanks to this, the wood is more resistant to warping, drying, or absorbing excessive moisture from the environment. An advantage of lacquering is also the protection of the color and natural texture of the wood. To keep them clean, a soft cloth and water with a gentle detergent are sufficient. They also do not require special treatment. The advantage of smooth lacquered surfaces is that they require renovation at the earliest after a few years.

One of the main disadvantages of lacquered wood is its appearance after damage, because scratches become more visible over time, especially in the case of wooden floors covered with lacquer – it can scratch more, for example, with sandpaper. Then the top layer of lacquer must be sanded down, and a new coating applied. And it is important that only a fragment of the surface cannot be repaired because it will be visible.

Advantages and disadvantages of oiling

Oiling is an ecological and easy way to care for and protect wood, impregnates it and protects it from dirt and moisture. The oil coating allows the wood to breathe – but not absorb water. It features anti-static properties, which is a big plus when we have an allergic person at home. On the surface treated with oil, potential scratches are less visible, and when permanent dirt is created, we can wipe off the top layer with sandpaper and apply oil only in one place.

Oiled wood is more susceptible to stains than lacquered wood; such surfaces require proper care. It is not enough to wash them with a damp cloth; it is necessary to renew the oil layer from time to time.

 

How to care for oiled and lacquered furniture? 

First of all, for daily care, use a dry or lightly damp soft cloth. You should not scrub the surface with sharp sponges, or abrasive products (like Cif). Wipe up stains and dirt as quickly as possible; do not let them dry. Do not place hot dishes directly on wooden surfaces, as this may cause discoloration.

I hope we have shed some light on the topic of which to choose – whether oiled or lacquered furniture. And why choose wooden furniture at all? Click and see 

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