Oils, waxes and other finishes: which to choose

The finish decides how a piece looks, how it feels and how it copes with daily life. The same tabletop under oil and under lacquer is two different things. We choose the finish to suit the wood, the purpose of the piece and the owner's habits, but it helps to understand the options yourself.

Oil

Oil soaks into the wood and protects it from within, without forming a film. The surface stays warm and natural to the touch, and the grain gains depth.

• Pros: natural look; easy spot repairs — a scratch can be sanded out and re-oiled.
• Cons: moderate protection against stains and water; needs occasional re-oiling.
• Best for: bedroom and living room furniture, decor, pieces you want to touch.

Wax

Wax gives a soft, silky sheen and brings out the texture. It is usually applied over oil.

• Pros: pleasant feel, simple to renew.
• Cons: sensitive to heat and water; wears faster on working surfaces.
• Best for: decorative objects, frames, shelves and small items.

Hardwax oil

A balance between a natural look and everyday practicality. The oil penetrates the wood while the hard wax forms a thin protective layer on top.

• Pros: better resistance to water and stains than plain oil; still looks and feels like wood.
• Cons: still needs care with hot dishes and periodic renewal.
• Best for: dining tables, tabletops, window sills and café furniture.

Lacquer

Lacquer forms a film that seals the wood. It comes in matt, satin and gloss.

• Pros: strong protection from moisture and stains; very easy to clean.
• Cons: feels less like wood; damage is hard to repair locally and often means refinishing the whole surface.
• Best for: heavy-use commercial surfaces where practicality comes first.

Epoxy resin

In river tables and resin-filled pieces, the epoxy is both part of the structure and part of the finish. It is polished to a matt or gloss surface, while the wooden areas are usually treated with hardwax oil.

How to choose

• If touch and a natural look matter most — oil, or oil and wax.
• If the table is used daily for meals, work and children's activities — hardwax oil.
• For restaurants, offices or busy kitchens — lacquer is worth discussing.
• For pieces that come into contact with food, we use finishes intended for that purpose.

Not sure? Tell your manager where the piece will live and how you plan to use it. We'll suggest a finish and show you samples in the showroom.