Different Types of Natural Oils for Outdoor Wood Protection

How natural oils became a standard in wood finishing again over the last two decades

Firstly, natural oils benefited from the current industry context. With the implementation of new environmental standards governing both product composition and VOC emissions during application, several synthetic oil-based stains had to be removed from the market or reformulated.

Natural oils are primarily composed of naturally derived ingredients and generally have low toxicity before and during application. Their VOC emissions also comply with new limits, which allowed them to remain on the market without undergoing the same changes as some synthetic oil-based stains.

These changes have led many consumers to re-evaluate their purchasing habits. Those wary of water-based stains naturally turned to natural oils. And in many cases, they successfully met their expectations, both in terms of appearance and wood protection.

• A more viscous texture

Natural oils are primarily made from vegetable oils to which other naturally derived ingredients are added, such as waxes or certain essences.

Since they generally contain fewer solvents than traditional stains, they often have a thicker texture. They may therefore appear more viscous upon application and sometimes require a slightly different working method.

Of course, not all natural oils are identical. Their composition and texture can vary from one manufacturer to another, which means the application method can also change.

This thicker texture also slightly influences the application method for natural oil. As thinner stains generally penetrate or dry faster, you have less time to spread them on the wood.

With a natural oil, the working time is often a bit longer. This allows you to take your time to properly spread the product over the surface before it starts to dry.

This is an interesting advantage for application, as it is easier to achieve an even finish and avoid lap marks or visible brush strokes.

• Excellent coverage

The thicker texture of natural oils also gives them good coverage. As they are more viscous than many stains, they can be spread over a larger area while still penetrating the wood sufficiently to saturate and protect it well.

Coverage is also linked to how the oil is absorbed by the wood. During the first coat, the wood absorbs a good amount of oil to fill and saturate its pores. Once this first coat is applied, the wood is already much more saturated.

The second coat therefore generally requires less product. In some situations, it is even possible to cover up to twice as much surface with the same amount of oil. In other words, the second coat may require up to 50% less product than the first.

This is another advantage of natural oils: the more saturated the wood, the less product is needed to achieve uniform coverage.

• Unrivaled penetration

Even if natural oils do not immediately penetrate the wood pores like some thinner stains, they still possess excellent penetration properties. Indeed, natural oils penetrate deeply into the wood grain and can continue to penetrate for several hours after application.

This is one of the interesting features of natural oils: they take their time to penetrate the wood rather than simply remaining on the surface.

For this reason, natural oils are among the only wood finishing products that can be applied to very dense-grained or closed-grain woods. Such as exotic woods (Ipe, Teak) or thermally modified wood.

Finally, the components of natural oils are compatible with the sap and oils present in resinous woods. Notably, they are an excellent finishing choice for cedar surfaces.

• A finish that lets the wood breathe

Some stains, whether oil-based or water-based, contain additives that form a protective film on the wood surface. This is particularly true for some semi-transparent stains with a glossier finish and, more markedly, for opaque stains.

This film protects the wood from weathering and limits water penetration. However, it also risks flaking over time.

Why? Because wood is an organic material that constantly moves. It absorbs moisture and also releases or allows it to pass through the surface. When moisture tries to escape the wood, it must pass through this film. As a result of these movements, the finish can detach and begin to flake.

Conversely, natural oils penetrate deeply into the wood rather than forming a film on its surface. This is known as a non-film-forming finish. This type of finish has the advantage of allowing the wood to breathe. Oils are therefore less likely to flake over time.

Instead of peeling off the surface in patches, as a film-forming finish can do, oil tends to wear away gradually. When the protection starts to be damaged, you simply need to reapply a coat to revive the finish.

• An easier-to-maintain finish

Indeed, by avoiding flaking, you also avoid having to sand the wood every time you want to refresh the finish. If you regularly maintain your oiled surfaces and do not let the finish wear away completely to the bare wood, it is generally sufficient to clean the surface and apply a new maintenance coat.

This saves you the most thankless task of patio finish maintenance: sanding.

• Alis Deck Oil by Livos

The natural oil Alis by Livos is a high-end finish designed for exterior wood. It can be applied to virtually all wood species, including cedar, treated wood, exotic woods, and thermally modified wood.

Alis protects wood against UV rays and graying, mold, moisture, and wear caused by foot traffic. This versatility allows it to be used on both vertical surfaces, such as siding and fences, and horizontal surfaces like patios, decks, and balconies.

Even though Alis is a non-film-forming finish, it gives the wood a slight satin appearance. This is what makes it appealing for projects where you are looking for a more refined or contemporary finish.

Environmentally, Alis contains no petroleum-derived oils. It is therefore pleasant to apply and does not emit an unpleasant odor. Moreover, according to our experience and the feedback from many of our customers, Alis even has a pleasant scent.

However, it is important to know that Alis is more expensive to purchase than many other finishing products. Its coverage and durability, however, make the investment more profitable in the medium and long term. For maintenance coats, you only need about 50% of the amount of oil used for the first application.

In other words, if you regularly maintain your finish and avoid letting it wear away completely to the bare wood, subsequent maintenance requires much less product. The cost of maintenance therefore becomes more attractive over time.

At Colobar, we have been recommending Alis for several years to customers looking for a finish that is both durable and aesthetic for their exterior wood. Our experience with the product and the feedback received from our customers have shown a very high level of satisfaction.

Finally, Alis is available in 20 basic colors that can be mixed to create custom shades. If you’re looking for inspiration to choose your color, consult our color selection.

Ligna Extéria oil is also composed of naturally derived ingredients. It stands out notably for its 50% solids content, which is particularly high for a finishing oil.

Concretely, this gives it a thicker texture and allows it to be spread over a large area. Its coverage is therefore particularly impressive: depending on the type of wood and its condition, you can cover approximately 150 to 300 sq ft per liter.

This thicker texture, however, comes with a small compromise. During application, the oil is a bit more difficult to spread. Therefore, you need to take the time to spread it well on the wood.

Once applied, Extéria offers complete protection against mold, UV rays, and abrasion. It can therefore be used on both horizontal surfaces, like a patio, and vertical surfaces.

Another feature to know: Extéria is a wipe-on oil. After applying the product with a bristle brush, you must remove the excess with a cotton cloth. A tip to save time and avoid working on your knees? Attach your cloths to a mop or use a block with a lamb’s wool applicator, at the end of a broom handle.

We’ve created a table explaining the advantages and disadvantages of a wipe-on oil:

Furthermore, another point that might interest you about Extéria is that it is an affordable product thanks to its excellent coverage. With just one gallon, you can apply both coats to a patio of approximately 400 sq ft!

Osmo Decking Oil is a new product in the Colobar range.

Why did we add it, if we already have excellent oils like Extéria or Alis?

Firstly, it is a very high-quality oil in itself, in addition to having a more than reasonable price.

You can apply it with a brush, like a standard natural patio oil, or apply it by polishing using a microfiber applicator pad. Polishing application results in a slightly more lustrous finish, perfect if you want something with a chicer look.

Another unique feature of this oil is that you can cover it with Osmo Anti-Slip Decking Oil. This option is truly new for us. Since natural oils are products that penetrate the wood, it’s rare to find one that leaves an anti-slip finish on boards.

If you find that your patio is slippery after rain or if you want the area around your pool to be safer, this is an excellent option for you.

In short, Osmo oil stands out primarily for its versatility: a beautiful finish, application flexibility, and the possibility of adding anti-slip protection where needed.

Start your project now!

You’ll find all the products you need directly on our website.

1. Start by measuring the dimensions of the surface you want to oil to calculate the quantities of product you need.
   • Alis covers 100 sq ft (2 coats) per liter.
   • Extéria covers between 150 and 300 sq ft (1 coat) per liter.
   • Osmo Patio Oil covers 258 sq ft (1 coat) per liter.
2. Choose the oil and color that best suits your needs.
3. Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.

Want to know more about natural oils and wood treatment? Consult the section of our blog dedicated to this topic!