Here’s a secret for most homeowners. The best way to protect and enhance wood surfaces is not varnish – it’s Rustins Danish Oil.
Unlike varnish, which can craze or chip over time, the special blend of natural oils and resins soaks into the wood itself and hardens. The result is a low lustre, water resistant finish that leaves the original texture and grain clearly visible.
Danish Oil is equally effective inside or out. Because it’s food safe and non-toxic, Rustins’ Indoor version is perfect for kitchen worktops and chopping boards as well as banister rails and other wooden surfaces. The Outdoor variant has additional ingredients that provide weather and sunlight protection for window frames and garden furniture.
Application is the easiest job. Brush or wipe on with a cloth; remove any excess oil after a few minutes; then leave to dry for four to six hours. Compare that with varnishing!
Rustins has been producing expert wood finishes for over 85 years and is the inventor of Danish Oil. The product can be used on all types of wood – including teak, cedar, oak and pine – and is available at good DIY stores. Expect to pay around £9.69 for a 500ml tin of the outdoor variant and £8.59 for the interior respectively.
*Why is it called Danish Oil? According to Rustins’ history, it was first produced to use on the new Scandinavian furniture being imported into Britain – but ‘Scandinavian’ was too long to print on-pack. ‘Danish’ was a shorter option!