Oil for wooden countertops is one of the most effective means that protects against pests, moisture, 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
Basically, a special oil for the tabletop made of wood, which contains wax, is used for processing. Due to this, the texture of the countertops is preserved and the operational life of the item is significantly extended.
Wood table top oil is classified by drying method:
- Non-drying and semi-drying mixtures. They are usually produced on the basis of natural compounds. The composition contains more than 90% of natural components, which is why they dry out for a long time. However, wood impregnation is deeper. When applying such compositions, a thin layer forms on the surface, which can deteriorate under mechanical stress.
- Fully drying mixes. After the product is applied, oxidation and polymerization begins on the wooden surface, and the oil hardens. This coating can not be washed off with water, so for a long time it retains its original characteristics.
Oil composition
This product consists of oil, diluent and a binder. Often, the urethane or alkyd acts as a connector, and the white spirit or turpentine acts as a diluent. Manufacturers also produce pure oils, however, they consist only of an antifungal agent, and in the process of use they must be diluted. For this reason, substances that improve the properties of oil for wood countertops are added to the compositions.
The benefits of using oils
The use of wood oils has the following features:
- Giving unique aesthetic characteristics of the structure - the contrast of the textures increases and a single shade is created.
- Application to wood products that releases tar and oil under certain operating conditions.
- Reduced moisture exchange with the environment, therefore, all the original geometric dimensions of the material are preserved.
- Confrontation with hot objects, which are often placed on the countertop, and the protective layer does not peel off and does not crack.
- Protection against warping, decay and deformation.
Surface update
Even the highest quality coating over time loses its original properties and is erased. For restoration, a new oil treatment of wood worktops is required. It consists of cleaning the surface from contamination, polishing damaged areas and painting directly. Use abrasive tools only when the countertop has a pronounced gray tint. Full restoration is necessary in the presence of deep chips and cracks.
Surface preparation
Oil for impregnation of wood worktops is applied to the surface, which is previously thoroughly cleaned of grease and dirt. You can not use it on wet, frozen and raw materials. In order to obtain a uniform coating and good absorption, the wood is sanded with abrasives - first coarse, gradually moving to softer. After that, the surface will certainly be cleaned.
Application
Natural wood countertop oil has the following approximate consumption:
- 1 liter per 30 m 2 - if two layers are applied;
- 1 liter per 40 m 2 - when the surface is processed in one layer.
Before using the product, it is mixed 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 pad or a soft cloth. This step involves the complete absorption of oil into the wood surface. 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 tabletop care
The surface dries out at a relative humidity of 55% and a temperature of +20 ° C. Full drying under such conditions is possible after 7-10 days. During this time, dirt, water and direct sunlight should not be allowed to enter the countertop. With increased humidity and low temperatures, as well as when applying a large amount of the product, the drying period increases.
Kitchen boards and wooden countertops are recommended to be renewed once every six months, as they are constantly exposed to mechanical stress and systematic exposure to water. Damaged areas on the surface are updated similarly to the initial treatment.
OSMO
OSMO wood table top oil is very popular due to many advantages:
- there is color for interior work and colorless matte or matte silky;
- recommended for processing kitchen worktops, wooden furniture and furniture panels;
- gives the surface resistance to staining and the effects of household chemicals;
- differs in resistance to wear and water-repellent effect;
- resistant to sweat and saliva, the product is safe when in contact with food.
For unpainted wood, oil must be applied in two layers, and for renewal only one. At the same time, there is no need for polishing.
BORMA HARD TOP OIL
This is a mixture of Italian-made natural modified oils. It is ideal for kitchen worktops and is acceptable for contact with food. The product is environmentally friendly and safe, has passed strict quality control, therefore it does not emit harmful chemical impurities. Thanks to its special shape, it is resistant to dirt and scratches. Solid oil is transparent, therefore distortion of the shade of wood is excluded, while adding juiciness to the color. Complete drying occurs after 12 hours, and the maximum hardness in a day.
Reviews
Users note that due to the oil for wood, the life of the structure increases, the product is easy to apply and deeply absorbed. They also highlight such a property as an increase in the resistance of the material to pollution and physical stress.