The Best Way to Preserve Oil-stained Wood

Oil-stained wood has a beauty and luster that can last for many years.

Wooden objects and structures can last surprisingly long when cared for properly. Old wood deserves special attention to ensure its value and beauty don't disappear over time. Oil stain is an excellent way to preserve wood; for this reason, many woodworkers choose it over water-based stain or paint when finishing their project. Preserving your wood's oil finish can be an easy task, requiring only a little maintenance from time to time. Often, this involves no more than a reapplication of stain.

Instructions

1. Reapply oil stain as the original coat wears off. If your wood is part of the exterior of a house, check it once a year to determine if the oil is diminishing. Squirt the wood's surface with a hose. The water should bead up and run off quickly. If the wood is absorbing water, it is a sign that more stain should be applied.

2. Apply an extra coat of stain every 10 years to wooden decorations or objects like clocks, bowls or interior doors. Don't store precious wooden objects in areas that receive a lot of sun, as ultraviolet rays can break down the finish prematurely.

3. Keep wood as dry as possible. Moisture causes wood to rot. For example, if your wood siding has an oil-based stain, do not store firewood against it or lean any large objects against it for extended amounts of time. Do not let vegetation grow too closely to the house. Do not store precious wooden objects in a damp basement or humid attic.

4. Pay close attention to the sides of your house that face the sun or are subject to prevailing winds and harsh weather. The finish on these sides will wear out more quickly than other locations.

5. Remove dirt or snow around oil-stained wooden fence posts or the bottom of siding boards. Wood should not directly contact the ground. Shovel snow off decks quickly to enhance their longevity.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are buying a new wood object and know exactly what kind of finish was applied, buy extra finish in case the product is discontinued or becomes unavailable in the future.

• Rags soaked with oil-based stain can spontaneously combust if stored improperly. Do not create a pile of oily rags. Instead, dry the rags on a line before disposing of them to prevent fires.

Resources

• "Understanding Wood"; R. Bruce Hoadley; 2000