Odie’s Oil: Problems and Advantages. Should I Use It?

Woodcrafts / By

Most DIYers have heard others rave about Odie’s Oil. What’s not to like about an oil finish that is food safe, durable, and suitable for use on floors, furniture, instruments, toys, and turnings? If you are considering using Odie’s Oil for one of your projects, it is wise to do your due diligence.

This article will present all the key facts you need to know about Odie’s Oil. We will discuss the various types of Odie’s Oil available on the market, how to use these products, and their advantages and disadvantages. You will be ready to use Odie’s Oil to enhance your project with a stunning hand-rubbed finish when you read this.

What is Odie’s Oil?

Odie’s Oil is an all-natural solvent-free finish manufactured by Odie’s Wood Finishes. The oil is popular for its high quality and ease of application. The company makes various products designed to seal, stabilize, and protect woodturning and woodworking projects.

Why is Odie’s Oil so Popular?

Consumers cannot get enough of Odie’s Oil. Not only is the all-natural finish food safe and high-quality, but a little also goes a long way. You can finally forget about toxic solvents and thinners when finishing your project. Odie’s Oil will nourish your wood from the inside out without polluting your body or environment.

This diverse line of Made in USA products will save the day no matter the type of surface you want to finish. Odie’s Oil works perfectly on leather, wood, metal, and concrete. Are you not yet impressed with the natural UV inhibitors that protect surfaces from fading? They make Odie’s Oil the perfect finish for outdoor projects. No wonder consumers prefer it; who can reduce affordability, durability, and versatility?

Here are the various types of Odie’s Oil available on the shelves:

  • Odie’s Oil – a multipurpose natural wood finish and stabilizer that can achieve the desired level of luster on interior or exterior applications.
  • Odie’s Oxi Oil – is based on Odie’s Oil formula; the only difference is its ability to highlight and enhance your wood’s deep natural color. It is intended for interior use and is great on cherry, mahogany, and all exotic dark woods. It achieves a posh antique effect when used on lighter woods like pine and oak. This finish can also achieve an ambering effect.
  • Odie’s Super Penetrating Oil – this product is just like Odie’s Oil but contains a natural citrus solvent designed to increase spreadability. It can be used with other Odie’s products when seeking a wet and glossy finish.
  • Odie’s Wood Butter is like a soft wax version of Odie’s Oil. Its design guarantees less color change and a higher luster than Odie’s Oil and Oxi Oil. You can use the wood butter and the oil or oxi oil to get a wet luster. Odie’s Wood Butter has also been proven to turn and stabilize wet or problematic wooden surfaces.
  • Odie’s Wax – this high-quality hard wax is best used to finish light color surfaces where you do not want to risk any color change. Consumers have discovered that it works perfectly on white maple.

Advantages of Using Odie’s Oil

  1. Odie’s Oil is made of superior waxes that penetrate and stabilize your wood by reintroducing natural lignum oils. These products move through the wood, bond with the fibers, and saturate them. This forms a protective barrier that prevents cracking, warping or joint failure.
  2. Odie’s Oil produces an esthetically pleasing natural finish, unlike synthetic products. The lack of harmful solvents ensures that the oil maximizes your wood’s natural color and adds the advantage of buffing to any level of luster you desire.
  3. Odie’s Oil uses all-natural ingredients and poses no harm to the environment. These products are child and pet-friendly because they do not contain any toxic or harmful solvents.
  4. Odie’s Oil is very easy to apply, especially when compared to finishes like polyurethane. All you need to do is apply it onto the surface and allow it to settle before vigorously buffing until you achieve the luster you like.
  5. Odie’s Oil is very economical. When used according to the instructions, you will find that a small amount of Odie’s Oil covers a large section of your surface.
  6. Odie’s oil may not be as durable as synthetic finishes, but it certainly gives other natural alternatives a run for their money. These products are amongst the most durable in the all-natural food-grade finishing category.
  7. Odie’s Oil has natural UV protection features, making it suitable for finishing outdoor surfaces.

Disadvantages of Using Odie’s Oil

  1. No matter how durable, a natural oil finish will never measure up to synthetic alternatives. You cannot have it all; to enjoy an all-natural food-grade finish, you must accept that your surface will not be as invulnerable to dents and scratches as those finished with synthetic products.
  2. People who use Odie’s Oil will spend more time maintaining their surfaces. There is no way around it. You must be ready to touch up your surface more often than someone who opted for a synthetic finish. If you finish a surface subjected to heavy-duty use, e.g., a kitchen table, using Odie’s Oil will mean touching up at least once a year.
  3. Its price tag is significantly higher than synthetic finishes. Over thirty years of dedicated research have ensured that Odie’s Oil products are safe, durable, and versatile. Most consumers find it worth the extra dollar to purchase a product that provides peace of mind.
  4. It is very difficult to remove because it penetrates the wooden surface and stabilizes and seals it off. If you ever want to apply a different finish, you may need to consult a professional to avoid Odie’s Oil cross-contamination with your new finish.
  5. The oil’s deep penetrating characteristic may cause it to stain your wood and slightly alter its natural shade.
  6. The oil is vulnerable to heat damage and displays unsightly stains if exposed to high temperatures.

How to Use Odie’s Oil

  • Find a clean cotton terry cloth or fine non-woven scrubbing pad for application.
  • Prepare your surface for the finishing – this will depend on the work previously done on the surface. You may need to sand and clean it before applying.
  • Mix your Odie’s Oil thoroughly to ensure the components that had separated during storage are properly mixed.
  • Use your cloth or non-woven pad to rub the product sparingly into the surface. Rubbing the products into the surface using friction allows them to penetrate below the surface. Too much oil will reduce friction and prevent the product from penetrating the surface. You will also have to wipe away all excess oil eventually.
  • After covering the entire surface with an even layer of Odie’s Oil, allow it to dry between forty-five minutes and two hours. Some products take longer, so consult your label for the precise timing. Do not leave the surface to dry for too long because it will be much harder to buff off the excess product. When using Odie’s Oil on leather, metal, concrete, marble, or clay, ensure you do not use too much product or allow your surface to sit with the product.
  • After allowing your surface to cure for the recommended time, use a clean cotton terry cloth to buff off all the Odie’s Oil from your surface. Should your cloth become saturated with the product, switch it for a new one and keep buffing until no trace of the product remains on your surface. You can test this by running a finger across the surface and checking for marks. If you see any markings, you need to buff some more.
  • Though your surface can be handled immediately after you complete buffing, it is advisable to let it cure for about two days to achieve durable results. If your surface is exposed to moisture, it should cure for at least two weeks.
  • If you want to apply additional coats of Odie’s Oil, wait at least 24 hours after the first. Subsequent coats are applied using the exact procedure as the first.
  • When applying Odie’s Oil to concrete surfaces, this procedure will not do. Consult your product label for precise instructions for use on concrete.

Conclusion

Odie’s Oil is perfect for anyone searching for a high-quality, durable, and affordable food-grade finish. Whether you use it alone or complement it with some of the above products, it is guaranteed to do a good job.

Before selecting Odie’s product for your project, consider specifics that could affect the final outcome. Ensure you are using the proper product for your wood’s grain, color, and moisture content. You should also consider the level of sheen you like and the amount of time you are ready to devote to your project. If you are not sure which product is best for you, consult a staff member at your local home improvement store for personalized advice.

What are you waiting for? Your surface is begging you for the tender love and care only Odie’s Oil can provide.

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