Care
Living with an oiled table
How to look after an oiled surface, and what to keep it away from. Written for people who will use the table every day.
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Why oil
Every table leaves the workshop finished in Odie’s Oil. It penetrates the timber rather than sitting on top of it, so the surface stays tactile and the grain stays visible. The important property is that it is repairable: a worn patch can be refreshed locally without sanding the whole top.
Every day
Wipe with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Wipe spills promptly. Use coasters and placemats in the places that get used most. Avoid silicone sprays and abrasive pads, which dull both timber and resin.
Every year or so
When an area looks dull or marked, apply a small amount of oil, work it in, leave it, and buff off. That is the whole procedure.
Where to put it
Solid wood moves with temperature and humidity. Keep the table away from radiators, underfloor heating outlets and long periods of direct sunlight. A stable room keeps the timber and the resin stable together.