Product Information – Understanding Wood Finishes

Mahoney’s Walnut Oil

My walnut oil is 100% high linoleic acid walnut oil developed for woodworkers who want a non-toxic alternative to petroleum based polymerizing oils. What makes the oil unique is its ability to dry. I source my oil from trees in Northern California which are naturally high in two key fatty acids that help the oil polymerize. This is absent in culinary walnut oils. I also heat-treat the oil to remove the proteins that may cause allergic reactions to those predisposed to them.

I recommend my oil to be used for wooden articles that make contact with food (butcher blocks, salad bowls, kitchen utensils) but can also be a substitute for many wooden items (children’s toys, indoor counter tops and even hardwood floors). I also offer a food safe oil/wax blend made from my walnut oil blended with carnauba and beeswax. This is used for any wax project where the user doesn’t want to be exposed to petro distillates. My products are sold in all Woodcraft stores, Craft Supplies USA, Rockler, Klingspor, Packard, and many other independent outlets.

Film Based Finishes vs Penetrating Oils. Choosing the right finish for your project.

A simple way to think about finishes is to put them into two separate categories. Film based and penetrating oils. Films would be finishes that sit on top of the surface of the wood. Lacquers, polyurethanes, shellac, waxes, and varnishes are all versions of film finishes. These finishes have many different attributes including durability, reparability, toxicity, marketability, and skill required to apply them.

To simplify when and where to use these finishes I generally think these finishes are more suitable for objects of art as compared to items of utility since these finishes are more difficult to repair and require a skilled craftsperson to maintain them. Penetrating oils would be nut oils like Mahoney’s walnut oil, linseed, Tung, mineral oil, and vegetable oils. These oils go into the surface of the wood and enhance most woods while protecting from the inside.

Oil finishes are much easier to apply than film based finishes and you can expect anyone could replenish the finish. Nut, linseed, and Tung oils will actually harden and become part of the wood. Mineral oil and vegetable oils will evaporate and require more reapplications. All oils darken the wood and some even discolor over time. Tung and linseed oil oxidize to a yellowish hue that could be undesirable on a lighter wood. Walnut oil oxidizes to an amber hue and in my opinion enhances the look of the wood in the years to come. Mineral oil doesn’t color much at all except on the initial application.

Directions on how to use Mahoney’s Walnut Oil:

Apply one heavy coat and let sit for an hour and then wipe away any excess. Your item is now ready to go. If the item begins to look dry over time reapply another coat.

If you would like more information on this subject please contact me.