In this article, we walk you through the complete guide to finishing wood using L.Co interior wood oil from surface prep and oil staining to the final topcoat and quality checks.
What Is Wood Finishing and Why Is It Important?
Natural wood has a porous structure that easily absorbs water, moisture, and grease. Without proper protection, it quickly suffers from discoloration, cracking, splintering, and a shortened lifespan. That is why finishing the surface is essential to keep wood durable, weather-resistant, and visually striking. Unlike traditional finishes that only form a superficial protective film which can scratch, peel, and allow moisture to seep inside L.Co Wood Finishes penetrate deep into every wood fiber. Our approach shields the wood from within while preserving its authentic, smooth touch and enhancing the rich depth of its natural grain.
Observing the surface under natural light allows for an accurate assessment of color and uniformity after finishing
Overview of the L.Co Wood Oil Finishing System
- The standard L.Co finishing system consists of: • Surface preparation • Color Oil • Topcoat - For natural wood appearance, apply three coats of Topcoat only. - For colored finishes: • One hand-wiped Color Oil coat • Optional spray Color Oil coat • Two Topcoat coats The first coat should penetrate deeply into the wood, while later coats are sprayed for smoother appearance and better consistency.
Applying oil in thin, uniform coats is always more effective than applying a heavy layer.
Surface Preparation (Sanding)
Proper sanding ensures even oil penetration and smooth finishing. Recommended grit sequence: 240 → 400 Remove all sanding dust before applying oil. The surface must be dry, clean, and free from grease or contaminants.
Always sand with the grain to avoid leaving cross-grain scratches.
Applying Color Oil
Stir the oil thoroughly before use and keep stirring continuously during application. - Applicable methods: Rag / cloth, brush, spray gun - Standard Procedure: • Apply the oil along the wood grain. • Rub evenly to allow the oil to penetrate deeply. • Wipe off any excess oil. If a deeper color is desired, apply an additional coat of tinted oil once the first layer has settled. Recommended waiting time is approximately 45 minutes before applying Topcoat.
Applying Topcoat
The first coat can be wiped or light-sprayed to allow the oil to deeply penetrate the wood. After each coat: • Allow to dry for 1-2 hours (for interior applications). • Lightly sand with #600 grit sandpaper. • Clean off all dust. • Apply the next coat using a spray gun. After the final coat, allow 8-12 hours before packaging or use. For exterior applications, wait 2-4 hours between coats and 12-24 hours for curing.
Sanding with #600 grit sandpaper between coats helps achieve a much smoother surface.
Quality Control
- Once the finish is completely dry, check the following: • Even color • Smooth surface • Wipe marks • Pooled oil • Dry spots on edges and corners To test for water resistance, drop a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water forms round beads and doesn't soak in quickly, the oil is working properly. If you spot any leftover oil, clean it off with L.Co Solvent before using the product.
Maintenance and Important Notes
Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and airflow. If the humidity is high, allow extra drying time between coats. L.Co recommends routine maintenance every 6 to 12 months under normal conditions using Wax & Polish.
Conclusion
Each wood type and working condition is unique, it is best to observe and make practical adjustments rather than strictly sticking to a fixed routine. Following the correct steps from surface prep and oil staining to the final coat, inspection, and care will help keep the wood's color stable, its natural grain sharp, and its overall quality high over time. For technical guidance or help selecting the best oil system for your project, get in touch with the L.Co technical team today.
Video walkthrough
Video coming soon
