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Which is the best oil for seasoning a timber chopping block? I have heard that vegetable oil may go rancid.
Thanks for the question. Most vegetable oils are not suitable to be used to seal/preserve timber. They are cooking oils, which never dry, break down with water and detergents, encourage mould growth and can go rancid. We recommend Woodwipe for use on wooden kitchen items such as chopping boards, wooden bowls etc. Please click here to read more.
My kwila outdoor patio setting has gone grey after 2 years outside in the weather. What can I do to bring the colour back?
Your timber needs to be thoroughly cleaned first to remove any blackening such as mould and dirt from the timber. Once clean and dry, a product such as Organoil Garden Furniture Oil Red will restore colour to the timber. Please click here to read more about the recommended products for cleaning your timber.
I have just put down a new hardwood deck. How should I treat it?
There is a specific procedure dealing with new hardwood decks. Please click here to find out more.
Does Organoil penetrate timber if it has been previously coated with other brands of timber finishing oils ?
Yes, provided the previously used product was not a skin forming one. Externally, the timber surface should be clean and dry, and free from discolouration such as watermarking. (See maintenance schedule on can before application). To test your timber to see whether it can be oiled, just sprinkle some water onto the timber. If the water beads, or sits on top, do not use oil without sanding the timber to remove the film barrier. If water is absorbed into the timber's grain, it is suitable for oiling.
How long will the fragrance last?
External oils will be strong smelling for the first week, and then dissipate over a 3 - 4 week period. Similarly for our interior oils. The Eucalyptus oil in our Garden Furniture Oil, when used internally on items like window joinery etc, can be a little overpowering to some people. Good ventilation is essential when using this and other Organoil products internally.
Are you having problems with Macrocarpa going black when used outside?
Macrocarpa can be a difficult timber to keep looking good when used outside. Please click here to read more on Macrocarpa and why it may turn grey or black outside.
Why has my exterior timber cladding and/or deck turned black?
New Zealand has one of the highest mould spore counts in the world. You cannot stop mould spores from being blown onto, and attaching to, external timbers, especially if there are trees close by. Timber that has turned black either has dead mould spores on it, or environmental pollution such as exhaust residue from vehicles etc. All we ask is that you to wash your timber at least annually if it is prone to blackening. You should also wash and clean the timber prior to re-oiling. An ideal product for this is Organoil's Wash-a-Way. To view a data sheet on cleaning your external timbers, please click here. If your timber is Macrocarpa, please click here to read more on why this species is naturally prone to going grey/black.
