How to apply Walrus Oil oils and waxes
A quality wood finish should never detract from the natural beauty of the material – it should preserve it like a work of art. Whether it's a polished guitar, a rocking chair or a simple cutting board.
Unlike synthetic lacquers and polyurethanes, a wood oil should be safe to apply and easy to maintain. Walrus Oil puts this philosophy into every product – from cutting board oils, through furniture butters, to waxes. This guide will help you turn wood finishing into a lasting, meaningful result.
01Preparing wood before oiling and waxing
Proper surface preparation is the key to a long-lasting, even finish. It doesn't matter whether you're building something new or renovating older furniture – every prep step affects the final look and lifespan of the oil or wax layer.
New projects
For a smooth surface without raised grain, use the „Sand – Wet – Sand“ method:
- Sand the surface with 120–220 grit.
- Dampen with water – the wood fibres „stand up“.
- Let it dry completely.
- Sand again with finer paper (220–320) to remove the raised fibres.
Furniture renovation and restoration
When renovating furniture, boards or items with an original finish, the first step is careful cleaning of the surface. Remove waxes, crayons, dried food residue and traces of cleaning products. Before a new finish, make sure the surface is completely dry and clean – only then will Walrus Oil products adhere perfectly and create a protective layer that lasts for years.
02Applying surface oils
Oil finishes penetrate the wood, enhance its grain and are easy to maintain. To start, reach for one of the Walrus Oil oils:
Cutting Board Oilboards and utensils in food contact · food-safe · easy upkeepBuy › 
Furniture Finishfurniture and wood surfaces · matte „Danish Oil“ finishBuy › 
Tung Oilthe most water-resistant · outdoors and wet surfacesBuy › 
Linseed Oilthe fastest-drying · satin interior lookBuy ›1. The first coat (the most important step)
- Sand the surface with 220–320 grit.
- Apply a thin coat of oil by hand – with a pad or sandpaper of the same grit.
- Patiently massage the oil into the pores until the surface looks dry and feels smooth.
- Let it dry for 12–24 hours (the longer, the better).
- Buff off the oil residue with a fine non-abrasive pad – the surface should be completely dry.
2. Further coats (as needed)
A second coat is usually enough; for heavily used pieces (tables, chairs) we recommend 3–4 coats. Proceed the same way, only increase the grit with each coat:
| Coat | Sandpaper grit |
|---|---|
| 1st coat | 220–320 |
| 2nd coat | 320–400 |
| 3rd coat | 400–600 |
| 4th coat | 600+ |
03Applying surface waxes
Wax seals the surface and gives it a silky look. On new projects always apply oil first and only then wax – oil won't penetrate a waxed surface.
Furniture Butterwater-repellent paste wax · satin sheenBuy › 
Furniture Polishrestore and protect finished wood · quick buffingBuy › ★ BESTSELLER
Cutting Board Waxwax seal for boards · food-safe · beeswax + coconutBuy ›Always use a non-abrasive polishing pad, whether the wax is a final coat or just for buffing – this won't disturb the underlying oil. Apply a small amount over the whole surface and leave it on according to the product:
| Wax | Leave-on time |
|---|---|
| Cutting Board Wax | 15–30 min, then wipe off the excess |
| Furniture Polish | 1 hour |
| Furniture Butter | 12–24 hours |
04Preventing fading (fade effect)
Fading (the „fade effect“) happens when the finish is not fully cured (polymerised). The surface then rubs off, fades, may transfer to textiles or leave stains. Direct sunlight can also break down or permanently damage an under-cured layer.
How to prevent it:
- after application, let the oils and waxes cure ideally up to 4 weeks before exposing them to water, objects or direct sun,
- during this time, gently buff the surface regularly – it removes excess and supports even polymerisation.
- always prepare the wood thoroughly – start with „sand–wet–sand“ against raised grain,
- always apply oil before wax – wax would block the oil from penetrating,
- on new items apply at least 2 coats of oil for long-term protection,
- work through the grit range 220 → 800 – increase fineness with each coat,
- apply wax only with fine non-abrasive pads so you don't wipe off the underlying oil,
- layering multiple coats is mainly for oils (not waxes),
- observe the 12–24 h curing time between coats; fully load furniture only after 2–4 weeks.
Choose your wood care
Walrus Oil oils, waxes and furniture butters for cutting boards, furniture and epoxy tables, all in one place.
Browse wood finishRelated products and categories
- Oils: Cutting Board Oil, Furniture Finish, Tung Oil, Linseed Oil
- Waxes: Furniture Butter, Furniture Polish, Cutting Board Wax
- All: wood finish
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I apply oil or wax first?
Always oil first, and only after it dries, wax. Oil won't penetrate a waxed surface and the result would be uneven.
How many coats of oil should I apply?
On new items at least 2 coats; on heavily used pieces (tables, chairs) even 3–4 coats. Increase the sanding grit with each coat (220 → 800).
How long does oil dry between coats?
Usually 12–24 hours – the longer you let a coat dry, the better. Then buff off the residue with a fine pad and apply the next coat.
How long does wax cure before it can handle water?
Let a final wax coat (Furniture Polish, Furniture Butter) cure for up to 4 weeks before contact with water or intensive use.
Why is my finish fading or rubbing off?
Most often because the finish isn't fully cured. Let the oils and waxes polymerise (ideally up to 4 weeks), buff the surface gently and regularly, and protect it from direct sun.