Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus 2.5L Teak, Exterior Woodstain, Timber Treatment, Wood Preserver, Translucent Wood Finish

Wood oils soak into timber to feed it, bring out the grain and give a natural, low sheen finish that can be topped up rather than stripped. This category covers Danish oil, teak oil, boiled and raw linseed oil and hardwood furniture oils, along with related products such as linseed oil putty for glazing, garden furniture cleaners, and some stains and varnishes in teak shades.

Which oil

• Danish oil: a blend of oils, resins and driers that gives a low lustre finish and suits most types of wood.
• Teak oil: used mainly on teak and other dense hardwoods, including garden furniture, and leaves a slight sheen.
• Boiled linseed oil: contains driers, so it dries much faster than raw linseed oil, which can take several days per coat.
• Hardwood furniture oil: made for outdoor hardwood furniture, including aerosol versions for slatted pieces.

Applying oil

Apply to clean, dry, bare or previously oiled wood; oil will not soak through varnish or paint. Brush or wipe on a thin coat, let it soak in, then wipe off the excess and leave the drying time on the tin before the next coat. Re-oil when the surface starts to look dry or faded.

Safety with oily rags

Rags and cloths soaked in drying oils such as linseed and Danish oil can heat up as they dry and catch fire on their own. Never leave them screwed up in a pile or bin: lay them out flat outdoors to dry, or put them in water in a sealed metal container before disposal. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

For colour without an oiled finish, see wood stains and dyes; for a harder clear coat, see varnish.