Oil-stained timber is a superior finish for timber. It shields the timber from the inside out, instead of only a surface protection such as lacquer or varnish provides. Oil sinks deep into wood pores in which it hardens, sealing the pores from moisture penetration. But oil-stained wood needs additional protection which should be replenished at regular intervals.
Sand
With oil-stained timber, nothing prevents little wood fibers by lifting up from the surface of the timber. These fibers should be taken off. Start by lightly sanding the surface of the timber with 180-grit sandpaper from the palm of your hand, or use a sanding instrument using a medium grit sanding accessory. Only sand lightly until the timber feels smooth to the touchscreen. Do not sand off the stain — just a quick smoothing of this timber is fine.
Wax On Wax Off
Wrap your fingers in a soft cloth and scoop a marble-sized part of wax out of a open can of woodworker’s paste wax. Smear the wax over the top layer of the timber using the cloth. Work the wax into the timber in tiny circles until the timber is glazed with a dull sheen of wax. Wait 24 hours and then wipe off the wax the timber using a clean, dry cloth. Wait another 24 hours.
Burnish
Wrap your fingers with a little part of denim. Vigorously wipe the surface of the timber in a 6-inch circle until the timber and the denim turn into warm in your fingers. This is known as burnishing. When the timber gets warm and shiny, move to another place and rub with power, overlapping the previous circle until it becomes polished. Continue over the full surface of the timber, burnishing it until the timber is glassy and shiny.
Replenish
Wipe a thin coating of wax onto the timber every six weeks to keep it secure. You don’t have to burnish it each time, but it’s okay if you want to. If the timber has weathered or weathered out in sunlight, sand the wood and then reapply more oil stain to the wood after which the wax. This process works well on outside doors because ultraviolet rays break down lacquer and varnish quickly, but won’t damage wax and oil finishes.